The much-anticipated schedule of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday, i.e., 24 December 2024. The Indian Cricket Team is set to play all their matches in Dubai, including the knockouts (if they qualify).
The ninth edition of the 8-team tournament will begin on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, and conclude on Sunday, 9 March 2024. Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore have been chosen as the three locations for the tournament. Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been finalized to host all the matches involving India, including knockouts and finals if India gets there.
Reportedly, the decision to host India’s matches in the UAE, away from the host country, Pakistan, came after Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, met with Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, the UAE minister and the head of the Emirates Cricket Board, in Pakistan. After agreeing to host Pakistan’s matches, including knockouts and finals, in a neutral venue at ICC events hosted by India until 2027, both parties involved finalized the hybrid mode.
The competition will kick off with the host Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, 2025. Additionally, Pakistan’s final league stage match will take place against Bangladesh on 27 February 2024. Talking about cricket’s most celebrated rivalry – India vs Pakistan will be held on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
Champions Trophy 2025 Qualified Teams
The eight teams that are set to feature in the ninth edition of this ODI white-ball tournament are as follows. Do look at the table below.
| Group A | |
| Pakistan (host) | India |
| New Zealand | Bangladesh |
| Group B | |
| Australia | England |
| South Africa | Afghanistan |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India Schedule
| Date | Team | Venue |
| League Stage | ||
| 20 Feb | Bangladesh v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| 23 Feb | Pakistan v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| 2 Mar | New Zealand v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| Knockout Rounds | ||
| 4 Mar | Semi-final 1 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| 5 Mar | Semi-final 2 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 9 Mar | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Points to be noted
- All matches will begin at 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time.
- The First Semi-Final will be played in UAE, irrespective of India’s presence.
- Lahore will host the second semi-final.
- The final is scheduled to take place in Lahore, with the option of moving it to the UAE if India reaches the Final.
- There is a reserved day for the Final.
The ICC Champions Trophy will feature the same format – 8 teams will be split into two groups of 4 teams each and a total of 15 matches will be played. Each group will play against the other three teams within their group. The top 2 teams from each group will make it to the semi-finals. The semi-finals will then be played between the top team and the runner-up of opposite groups. Thereby, whichever team wins both the semi-finals, will play finals against each other.
CT 2025 is anticipated to be a thrilling tournament, with some exciting clashes coming our way, including the much-awaited India vs Pakistan on 23 February 2025. So, cricket fans, be seated for the 19 days of amazing cricket.
