Full ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Revealed [See Dates]
Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most thrilling events for cricket fans around the world. Hosted by Pakistan, the tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
ICC has confirmed that eight of the top ODI teams will compete in this prestigious tournament. The schedule is packed with exciting games in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Dubai.
Moreover, first match of the tournament will be an intense clash between Pakistan and New Zealand, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
As the defending champions, Pakistan will be eager to defend their title, but there’s a strong lineup of teams including India, Australia, and England, each hoping to lift the coveted Champions Trophy.
This ninth edition of the event is a highly anticipated return after a long break since 2017. It’s no surprise that fans are excited to see a round-robin and knockout format, with 15 matches to be played over the course of the tournament.
The International Cricket Council has laid the groundwork for a memorable tournament, with the reigning champions in 2017 preparing for their comeback.
The stakes are high as teams eagerly wait for the chance to defeat the past champions and claim the title. With the event back on track, cricket fans around the world are in for a treat this coming 2025.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Venue and Dates (Official Time Table)
This ICC Champions Trophy is expected to be a major event, returning after an eight-year break.
It will be held in Pakistan during February and March 2025, and the exact dates are officially confirmed by ICC.
As cricket fans, it will be an exciting month to follow the action-packed tournament and see who claims the prestigious trophy.
Teams will be divided into two groups, with the top 2 teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals and eventually the final match as detailed hereunder.
# 56_5ab921-c0> |
Date 56_a92c2c-32> |
Match Between 56_a328ba-94> |
Venue 56_7bf37f-c3> |
1 56_6090e1-a2> |
19 Feb. 2025 56_546a48-8a> |
Pakistan vs New Zealand 56_e2b869-62> |
Karachi 56_5e9a79-cc> |
2 56_b57a86-f5> |
20 Feb. 2025 56_1cfae6-03> |
India Vs Bangladesh 56_07f2f6-51> |
Dubai 56_9d1f91-f7> |
3 56_9f87ce-8a> |
21 Feb. 2025 56_f2949c-cd> |
South Africa Vs Afghanistan 56_539341-11> |
Karachi 56_f6ac4b-c7> |
4 56_6ec2f9-c1> |
22 Feb. 2025 56_3dd74a-0d> |
England Vs Australia 56_5dab79-51> |
Lahore 56_d7ec13-37> |
5 56_21df9d-80> |
23 Feb. 2025 56_21c19a-84> |
India Vs Pakistan 56_58616d-f7> |
Dubai 56_882672-fc> |
6 56_b7475e-51> |
24 Feb. 2025 56_6e500e-93> |
New Zealand Vs Bangladesh 56_36f2b1-53> |
Rawalpindi 56_deff7e-35> |
7 56_eaecf3-e6> |
25 Feb. 2025 56_df0490-90> |
Australia Vs South Africa 56_d2f856-92> |
Rawalpindi 56_2a3ee2-2b> |
8 56_b62216-bb> |
26 Feb. 2025 56_4bc870-f9> |
England Vs Afghanistan 56_85503a-c1> |
Lahore 56_279153-10> |
9 56_030101-6e> |
27 Feb. 2025 56_ac4b1b-c5> |
Pakistan Vs Bangladesh 56_a6127c-e5> |
Rawalpindi 56_8309ab-cc> |
10 56_b8fb8c-bb> |
28 Feb. 2025 56_33e0ab-e7> |
Afghanistan Vs Australia 56_20fe24-ae> |
Lahore 56_e4efad-9f> |
11 56_d64758-d6> |
01 Mar. 2025 56_0f2dca-79> |
South Africa Vs England 56_cfcc71-dd> |
Karachi 56_a7cf94-81> |
12 56_a232b1-57> |
02 Mar. 2025 56_81bfb3-4e> |
New Zealand Vs India 56_c00f31-9a> |
Dubai 56_3c4571-2e> |
13 56_658a02-d0> |
04 Mar. 2025 56_d8a7b3-37> |
Semi Final 1 56_fbb0d1-29> |
Dubai 56_d37908-3d> |
14 56_e8ba3c-c4> |
05 Mar. 2025 56_a596bc-f8> |
Semi Final 2 56_ecfa57-73> |
Lahore 56_cd3527-4a> |
15 56_9dcf22-d9> |
09 Mar. 2025 56_ff94c4-38> |
Final 56_2752e3-64> |
Lahore / Dubai 56_2ec01a-fe> |
Playoff and Eliminator Schedule
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Date 56_63c7d3-4e> |
Match 56_b94950-11> |
Venue 56_d17098-8a> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_6abc22-8a> |
04 Mar. 2025 56_1a4866-0c> |
Team A1 Vs Team B2 56_88e57b-c6> |
Dubai 56_80b158-3b> |
2 56_bd935e-d5> |
05 Mar. 2025 56_ad0694-43> |
Team B1 Vs Team A2 56_3c1726-5e> |
Lahore 56_e1f4ba-e6> |
3 56_206b0f-7a> |
09 Mar. 2025 56_429d4b-8a> |
TBD Vs TBD 56_b94df7-13> |
Lahore / Dubai 56_329918-d3> |
Tournament Overview and Details
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to feature a total of 15 matches, with 12 group stage games, followed by 2 semifinals, and the grand finale. This exciting tournament will be held across three iconic Pakistani cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
However, due to ongoing political and security concerns, India’s matches will take place in Dubai. Fans are eagerly awaiting this prestigious event, which promises to deliver thrilling cricket action throughout the tournament.
Tournament Name 56_5cf750-5e> |
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 56_3e32ff-dc> |
Edition 56_2ca90d-93> |
9th 56_a46c66-c4> |
Total Teams 56_1402f8-af> |
08 56_59e481-de> |
Host Nation 56_6cd449-fc> |
Pakistan 56_f17883-47> |
Tournament Starting Date 56_78d3a3-5a> |
19 February, 2025 56_d4bc01-66> |
Tournament Ceremony Date 56_a41e06-42> |
19 February, 2025 56_4bb01d-a5> |
Tournament Ending Date 56_b18ba9-d8> |
09 March, 2025 56_f7f7f8-12> |
Tournament Venues 56_6bbd9d-5c> |
Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Dubai 56_204ebd-18> |
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Download PDF
To make sure you never miss a match of the Champions Trophy 2025, it’s always a good idea to download the schedule in PDF format. By clicking the button below, you can easily get the PDF file and have it at your disposal.
Having the schedule in a PDF format is much more convenient than always having to open a page and check it online. It’s an important step to stay organized and updated about the tournament. Don’t wait, just download the schedule right now to be prepared for all the exciting matches!
Pakistan Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
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Date 56_f85ec7-13> |
Match Between 56_6c08f7-bd> |
Venue 56_0c355a-28> |
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1 56_42188c-c8> |
19 February, 2025 56_3baa0f-58> |
Pakistan Vs New Zealand 56_e85625-b6> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_e7f2bc-a3> |
2 56_83088d-97> |
23 February, 2025 56_ba9765-b2> |
Pakistan Vs India 56_79b15a-89> |
Dubai International Stadium, Dubai 56_43fa79-03> |
3 56_4d9e8a-ec> |
27 February, 2025 56_9fdcab-86> |
Pakistan Vs Bangladesh 56_5eca47-2c> |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 56_75da44-6d> |
Pakistan team is set to bring their best to the Champions Trophy 2025 with an exciting lineup of fixtures. They will showcase their talent in a series of thrilling matches against some of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Their campaign kicks off on February 19, where they will play against New Zealand at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi. Following this opener, Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on February 24, a game that promises high energy and strategic gameplay.
The most anticipated clash, however, will occur on March 1, as Pakistan faces their arch-rivals, India, in Dubai. This match is expected to captivate fans and deliver a high-intensity cricketing experience. With such a well-planned schedule, fans can look forward to memorable games at notable venues.
Indian Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
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Date 56_c17808-1e> |
Match Between 56_c938b3-a0> |
Venue 56_ca5797-df> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_5694a7-8c> |
20 February, 2025 56_f5d89b-48> |
India Vs Bangladesh 56_43188b-87> |
Dubai International Stadium, Dubai 56_b39504-0a> |
2 56_29efa1-a1> |
23 February, 2025 56_b33815-0c> |
India Vs Pakistan 56_c9ffed-13> |
Dubai International Stadium, Dubai 56_49f774-07> |
3 56_44f06a-8d> |
02 March, 2025 56_78c3d6-d8> |
India Vs New Zealand 56_f73df9-5b> |
Dubai International Stadium, Dubai 56_04cdbc-99> |
The Champions Trophy 2025 will bring exciting cricket action, and the India team is set to showcase its talent. They will begin their journey against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, a venue known for hosting thrilling matches.
This clash is expected to set the tone for India’s performance in the tournament. Following their opener, India will face New Zealand on February 23, again at the same venue, promising fans another gripping encounter.
The most anticipated match of the schedule is the epic battle against Pakistan on March 1, which will undoubtedly draw massive viewership and enthusiasm. These key matches in Dubai reflect India’s strategic preparation and high hopes for success in the 2025 edition.
New Zealand Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
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Date 56_38f349-50> |
Match Between 56_ea3455-66> |
Venue 56_312bcf-e8> |
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1 56_b7673d-b1> |
19 February, 2025 56_4c20dd-66> |
New Zealand Vs Pakistan 56_521812-7a> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_382c41-4e> |
2 56_da1106-4f> |
24 February, 2025 56_870066-7f> |
New Zealand Vs Bangladesh 56_8e46d7-67> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_90df1b-a4> |
3 56_3400eb-a8> |
02 March, 2025 56_9b96f4-43> |
New Zealand Vs India 56_f837cc-5f> |
Dubai International Stadium, Dubai 56_4cf0f8-20> |
New Zealand’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule includes several important matches across Pakistan. They will play their first match against Pakistan on February 19 at National Stadium, Karachi.
Afterward, New Zealand faces India on February 23 at Dubai, followed by a match with Bangladesh on February 27 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This promises to be an exciting set of fixtures for the team.
Bangladesh Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
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Date 56_105e23-5a> |
Match Between 56_d13b1d-ec> |
Venue 56_982690-61> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_a40fac-52> |
20 February, 2025 56_716d91-07> |
Bangladesh Vs India 56_97200e-3b> |
Dubai International Stadium, Dubai 56_58d7df-99> |
2 56_a0f35c-8f> |
24 February, 2025 56_230172-90> |
Bangladesh Vs New Zealand 56_704455-43> |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 56_89ce75-46> |
3 56_7cb275-4f> |
27 February, 2025 56_680359-69> |
Bangladesh Vs Pakistan 56_9bfd9c-50> |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 56_f5cade-7b> |
In the CT 2025, Bangladesh will be competing in some key matches across different venues. They will face India on February 20 at Dubai, before moving on to play Pakistan on February 24 in Rawalpindi.
The team will meet New Zealand on February 27 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium. These matches promise to be thrilling encounters as the team looks to make its mark in the tournament.
Australia Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
# 56_ef935c-10> |
Date 56_738f1f-94> |
Match Between 56_fc100c-a3> |
Venue 56_13b281-f4> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_dd3468-e3> |
22 February, 2025 56_74bc3d-df> |
Australia Vs England 56_ac89af-a8> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_439cd5-01> |
2 56_ce845b-ab> |
25 February, 2025 56_cf0be0-6b> |
Australia Vs South Africa 56_249be3-85> |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 56_2a24b9-d3> |
3 56_ba9d31-d5> |
28 February, 2025 56_d6fb8f-d9> |
Australia Vs Afghanistan 56_0c9ca2-65> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_cb8468-bc> |
Australia will be a major contender in this mini world cup, with their schedule featuring some interesting matches. They are set to face England on February 22 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, marking an exciting start to their campaign.
Following this, Australia will travel to Rawalpindi to play South Africa on February 26 and Afghanistan on February 28, promising thrilling cricket action for fans.
The combination of venues like Lahore and Rawalpindi, along with matches against strong teams such as England, South Africa, and Afghanistan, ensures that Australia’s journey in this tournament will be closely watched. Their performance will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Champions Trophy 2025.
England Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
# 56_06c34a-d9> |
Date 56_9efdba-48> |
Match Between 56_6d4f7a-2f> |
Venue 56_26cb75-47> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_f9e50d-4a> |
22 February, 2025 56_ac42d3-5c> |
England Vs Australia 56_67c058-cc> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_33b92c-6e> |
2 56_66dfd1-34> |
26 February, 2025 56_8d7fc6-0e> |
England Vs Afghanistan 56_188d64-71> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_15dfc6-d3> |
3 56_09ceb1-4a> |
01 March, 2025 56_ccf958-94> |
England Vs South Africa 56_8bd42e-f4> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_0ac86e-01> |
The England team has a thrilling schedule lined up for upcoming Champions Trophy, featuring several important matches. They will play against Australia on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, marking a much-anticipated start to their campaign.
Following this, England faces Afghanistan on February 25 at the same iconic venue. To conclude their group-stage journey, they take on South Africa on March 2 in Rawalpindi.
This carefully structured lineup promises intense cricket action, with England prepared to showcase their best against strong opponents. Fans eagerly await these dates, especially the opener against Australia, which is expected to set the tone for the tournament.
Afghanistan Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
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Date 56_c456f0-ef> |
Match Between 56_489096-85> |
Venue 56_12127d-2e> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_46a7f8-31> |
21 February, 2025 56_63b06c-4f> |
Afghanistan Vs South Africa 56_e1f7c6-71> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_6a5c6c-5c> |
2 56_997ec3-f9> |
26 February, 2025 56_896d0d-7f> |
Afghanistan Vs England 56_b7f81a-c6> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_bab2b7-25> |
3 56_b4de63-cb> |
28 February, 2025 56_eda84e-0a> |
Afghanistan Vs Australia 56_cee051-92> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_65f533-64> |
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule brings some important matchups. They will face South Africa on February 21 at National Stadium, Karachi. After that, Afghanistan plays England on February 25 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
They will conclude their group matches against Australia on February 28 in Rawalpindi. This series of exciting games will showcase Afghanistan’s fight to advance in the tournament.
South Africa Team Schedule Champions Trophy 2025 – Fixtures List With Dates and Venues
# 56_0d4200-95> |
Date 56_8120dc-92> |
Match Between 56_de2318-81> |
Venue 56_f8897c-91> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_50c0c3-1f> |
21 February, 2025 56_20e779-46> |
South Africa Vs Afghanistan 56_034fa4-4d> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_1d3ebb-4b> |
2 56_039c9a-97> |
25 February, 2025 56_427fb5-68> |
South Africa Vs Australia 56_45bebb-4f> |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 56_3a7bb7-44> |
3 56_dd6de6-02> |
01 March, 2025 56_44d0d2-0c> |
South Africa Vs England 56_109f24-69> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_cd9581-fa> |
The South Africa team will kick off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey with an exciting match against Afghanistan on February 21 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
After this, they will face Australia on February 26, followed by a game against England on March 2, both at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
These matches are expected to be thrilling as South Africa looks to secure a strong start in the tournament.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Format
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature 8 teams that will compete in a thrilling ODI 50-over format. These teams are divided into 2 groups, with each team playing matches against the other teams in their group.
The competition follows a round-robin format, where every team will earn points based on their performance in which win gives 2 points, a tie or no result gives 1 point, and a loss gives 0 points.
Match Status 56_9b2101-05> |
Points 56_318a55-8c> |
---|---|
Win 56_21c6b3-80> |
02 56_7c7adf-35> |
Loose 56_17e6c3-d4> |
00 56_35b38e-40> |
Tie / No Result 56_08b61a-b5> |
01 56_d3d148-52> |
After the group stage, the top 2 teams from each group, based on the most points and net run rate (NRR), will advance to the semi-finals.
As the tournament progresses, the intensity builds toward the final, which is scheduled for March 9, 2025, in Lahore.
This marks the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, following the eighth edition in 2017. Teams will be looking to participate based on their rankings from the 2023 World Cup.
With a competitive knockout phase ahead, every match is crucial, and even a single loss could impact a team’s chances of reaching the final.
The tournament promises excitement, with each group match being important for the teams’ ultimate goal.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Knockout Stage Format
# 56_c6f6d1-aa> |
Match 56_6eabdc-82> |
Team 01 56_782fa2-23> |
Team 02 56_523e21-6e> |
---|---|---|---|
1 56_951905-da> |
Semi Final 01 56_dfcbee-48> |
Top Team of Group A 56_c5a469-fd> |
Runner Up Team of Group B 56_70b903-cf> |
2 56_c42612-49> |
Semi Final 02 56_85ccbb-1d> |
Top Team of Group B 56_b4aad5-93> |
Runner Up Team of Group A 56_9cbaad-86> |
3 56_1ffa0b-08> |
Final 56_4b3dc6-b3> |
Winner of Semi Final 01 56_e46f29-c2> |
Winner of Semi Final 02 56_07bdcb-f7> |
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature a thrilling knockout stage designed to deliver intense matches.
The familiar format begins with two groups of four teams each, where the top two teams from each group will move forward.
In the Semi-Finals, the winner of Group 1 will face the runner-up of Group 2, and the winner of Group 2 will compete against the runner-up of Group 1.
These semi-final matches will decide the final contenders. The winners of the Semi-Finals will then compete in the final, aiming to determine the ultimate champion.
While the exact details of the participating teams are yet to be announced, the tournament promises to offer non-stop excitement as it progresses. Each game in this stage is a battle, where the stakes are higher than ever.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Groups
Group A 56_9be95d-db> |
Group B 56_f934b6-35> |
Pakistan 56_7196e3-0b> |
Australia 56_700bf4-23> |
India 56_1e3393-cf> |
England 56_d1eea6-81> |
New Zealand 56_438515-fc> |
Afghanistan 56_32c16e-26> |
Bangladesh 56_4fa893-93> |
South Africa 56_d8e91d-0a> |
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting event for cricket fans worldwide. Featuring the top eight teams in the ODI rankings, the tournament will be hosted by Pakistan, the host nation, from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Teams are divided into two groups: Group A and Group B, with each group consisting of four teams. This format promises intense competition as teams aim to advance through the knockout stage, semi-finals, and ultimately, the final match.
In Group A, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh will battle for supremacy. Meanwhile, Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Matches will be played across three cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
According to a leaked provisional schedule, the hosts Pakistan will kick off the tournament in Karachi, while India’s campaign begins in the UAE on February 20.
The finalized details highlight a carefully planned schedule, ensuring the glory of the Champions Trophy remains unmatched.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Venues
City 56_0ff395-30> |
Matches 56_3bee60-26> |
Stadium 56_225330-32> |
Capacity 56_66431b-07> |
---|---|---|---|
Karachi 56_bc9113-2b> |
03 56_120110-61> |
National Stadium, Karachi 56_3474a9-f7> |
34,238 56_ba5e73-55> |
Lahore 56_caf3af-4c> |
05 56_e6eb88-05> |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 56_d61816-99> |
27,000 56_e651ac-e2> |
Rawalpindi 56_6aa981-ab> |
04 56_3b0356-cf> |
Rawalpindi Stadium, Rawalpindi 56_040589-e4> |
15,000 56_be92d3-49> |
Dubai 56_99c512-6f> |
03 56_d1751e-34> |
Dubai Cricket Stadium, Dubai 56_5df886-96> |
25,000 56_e66df9-14> |
For the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan has proposed three main venues to host the event. These include Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
India will play all its matches in Dubai, and if they reach the semi-finals or final, those matches will also be played at neutral venue in Dubai.
Initially, India was scheduled to play the entire tournament in Lahore, but due to some travel restrictions and refusal to visit Pakistan, the matches will now be held in Dubai.
Pakistan will be hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 across these diverse locations, offering a unique experience for fans and teams alike.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Participating Teams
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams battling it out for the title. These teams will be the top-ranked men’s national teams in ODI cricket, based on their rankings at the end of the 2023 ODI World Cup Group Stage.
The top 8 teams qualified for this mega event, including Pakistan, the host nation, which automatically secures its spot.
Other teams like India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, and England will also make the cut, based on their rankings.
It will be exciting to see these teams, especially Afghanistan, make their debut appearance in the tournament, while Sri Lanka, for the first time, will fail to qualify for the Champions Trophy.
Fans can expect intense competition as the best teams compete for glory from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Host Selection
Pakistan was announced as the host for the ICC Champions Trophy on 16 November 2021. This tournament will mark a major moment as it will be the first global tournament hosted by Pakistan since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team.
The country’s host status is significant, given the challenges faced over the years, with Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi selected as the official match venues.
This marks the return of a major tournament to Pakistan since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which Pakistan co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.
While Pakistan is set to host the tournament, political tensions have caused the Indian team to play their matches in the UAE.
Due to political reasons, the Indian government has not approved the team to participate in the tournament in Pakistan, citing security concerns and the potential for political unrest.
This has resulted in Dubai being confirmed as the location for India’s participation, despite their confirmed entry into the competition after their top position in the 2023 Cricket World Cup group stage.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will make their debut appearance, marking a historic moment for the team in the tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Fixtures
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a dream come true for cricket fans around the world, especially those who remember the tear-jerking moments of the 2017 Champions Trophy final between Pakistan and India.
With the fixtures now officially announced, excitement is building for what promises to be another memorable tournament.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 16, and cricket enthusiasts everywhere can barely contain their anticipation.
This prestigious tournament is returning to Pakistan, a country that holds a special place in the hearts of cricket lovers.
Fans have eagerly followed the journey through various formats and venues, and now, as the tournament approaches, the thrill is palpable.
This moment is truly one to cherish, and the excitement continues to grow as the event nears.
Historical Context and Background
The ICC Champions Trophy has always been a prestigious ODI cricket tournament that has captured the attention of cricket lovers around the world.
Initially introduced as the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998, it was later rebranded to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002.
The tournament was held every two years, but it became a quadrennial event starting in 2009.
After the 2017 edition, the tournament was cancelled, with the International Cricket Council deciding to focus on one major international cricket tournament per format.
However, due to its immense popularity and strong demand from cricket fans, the Champions Trophy made a comeback, with its return scheduled for 2025 and 2029.
As the defending champion, Pakistan will enter the tournament with high hopes after winning the last edition against India.
The excitement around the Champions Trophy 2025 is huge, as it marks the return of a major tournament that has been long awaited.
The decision to reinstated the tournament reflects the importance of the competition in the world of cricket and its lasting impact on the sport’s fans.
From November 2021, the tournament has been confirmed to return, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for this grand event.
Exciting Features of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will bring some unique aspects that make it stand out from previous editions.
After a long gap, the tournament will be hosted by Pakistan, marking the first time since 2009 that the country will host a major ICC event.
This will showcase Pakistan’s improved security and cricket infrastructure, creating a safe environment for all teams.
The fusion model consideration is also a notable feature, especially with India’s participation potentially being at neutral venues like the UAE, addressing security concerns.
The tournament will also feature the debut of Afghanistan, a non-traditional nation, adding more excitement and expanding the competitive landscape. The 2025 edition will be a game-changer in terms of format and structure.
With eight teams divided into two groups, the group stage format will include round-robin matches where the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals.
Sri Lanka, a three-time champion, will be absent this time, shifting the balance and providing new opportunities for other teams.
The competition will be held in newly renovated, high-tech venues with a state-of-the-art facility in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi, ensuring a top-notch spectator experience.
Key matchups like India vs. Pakistan on March 1, 2025, are expected to create huge viewership and excitement, as fans eagerly anticipate these thrilling clashes.
India’s Participation Concerns
The India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has always been one of the most intense and exciting in the sport. However, political relations between the two nations have often created challenges for the tournament.
In November 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met with the ICC Executive Board to discuss possible compensation if India decided not to play in Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later informed the ICC that India would not be able to travel for the tournament due to security concerns.
This raised concerns, and India refused to play in Pakistan. In response, the PCB demanded a written explanation and rejected the proposed hybrid model.
However, in December 2024, after several meetings and discussions, the ICC approved a new fusion model, where India would play in Dubai at a neutral venue and all upcoming ICC events until 2029, between Pakistan & India will be played at neutral venue.
The PCB and BCCI reached an agreement, ensuring that Indian fans would be able to travel easily with expedited visa processing and ticket allocations.
This new approach will allow for the matches to be relocated, maintaining the integrity of the tournament while addressing both security concerns and logistical challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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