The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The tournament has faced a dispute as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan due to security and political concerns, despite reassurances about safety.
To resolve the issue, the ICC announced that India will play its matches at a neutral venue, and a similar arrangement will apply for Pakistan during future tournaments in India until 2027. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed a two-way hybrid model, which the BCCI accepted.
The matches will be held at three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Each venue will host three group-stage matches, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final and the final, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be played in Dubai.
The UAE has been designated as the neutral venue for India’s matches. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
The participating teams are the top eight from the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Group A will feature Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:
- February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs England, Lahore
- February 23: Pakistan vs India, Dubai
- February 24: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- February 25: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
- February 26: Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
- February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
- February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
- March 1: South Africa vs England, Karachi
- March 2: New Zealand vs India, Dubai
- March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore
- March 9: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)
- March 10: Reserve day
