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ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Tournament Overview

The Champions Trophy makes a long-awaited return after its last edition in 2017, with Pakistan hosting its first global cricket tournament since 1996. The event will feature eight top teams competing across 15 matches over 19 days in Pakistan and the UAE. Dubai has been confirmed as a neutral venue for select matches.

The teams are divided into two groups:

  • Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
  • Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Matches will be played at venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, while Dubai will also host crucial encounters, including the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash on February 23.

Key Matches & Schedule Highlights

The tournament kicks off on February 19 with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The schedule also includes major cricketing rivalries, such as Australia vs. England (February 22 in Lahore) and the marquee clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai on February 23.

The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore), with the final set for March 9 in Lahore. However, if India qualifies for the final, it will be shifted to Dubai.

Complete Match Schedule

  • 19 Feb – Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
  • 20 Feb – Bangladesh vs. India (Dubai)
  • 21 Feb – Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Karachi)
  • 22 Feb – Australia vs. England (Lahore)
  • 23 Feb – Pakistan vs. India (Dubai)
  • 24 Feb – Bangladesh vs. New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
  • 25 Feb – Australia vs. South Africa (Rawalpindi)
  • 26 Feb – Afghanistan vs. England (Lahore)
  • 27 Feb – Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
  • 28 Feb – Afghanistan vs. Australia (Lahore)
  • 1 Mar – South Africa vs. England (Karachi)
  • 2 Mar – New Zealand vs. India (Dubai)
  • 4 Mar – Semi-final 1 (Dubai) [India to play if they qualify]
  • 5 Mar – Semi-final 2 (Lahore) [Pakistan to play if they qualify]
  • 9 Mar – Final (Lahore) [If India qualifies, final will be played in Dubai]

All matches start at 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST).

Statements from ICC & PCB

ICC Chair Jay Shah highlighted the return of the Champions Trophy, emphasizing the high-intensity matches that will keep fans entertained. He also noted the significance of Pakistan hosting and the inclusion of Dubai as a neutral venue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his excitement about hosting the prestigious tournament, emphasizing Pakistan’s dedication to providing world-class cricketing experiences and renowned hospitality.

History of ICC Champions Trophy

Originally introduced as the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998, the tournament was later rebranded as the Champions Trophy in 2002. The event has seen multiple winners over the years:

  • Australia and India are the most successful teams, each winning two titles. Australia remains the only team to have won back-to-back trophies in 2006 (Mumbai, India) and 2009 (Centurion, South Africa).
  • India shared the 2002 title with Sri Lanka and won again in 2013 (Birmingham, England).
  • Other winners include:
    • South Africa (1998, Dhaka, Bangladesh)
    • New Zealand (2000, Nairobi, Kenya)
    • West Indies (2004, London, England)
    • Pakistan (2017, London, England)

With the return of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2025, fans can expect a thrilling contest between the best cricketing nations in the world. Cricket enthusiasts can register their interest in tickets ahead of sales opening soon.

The Legacy of India-Pakistan Champions Trophy Clashes

These matches have been marked by high drama, intense rivalries, and unforgettable performances. Whether it was India’s dominance in 2004 and 2013, Pakistan’s comeback in 2009, or the unforgettable 2017 final, the Champions Trophy has given cricket fans some of the most thrilling India-Pakistan encounters.

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