Karachi, December 24, 2024 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially unveiled the fixtures and groupings for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, with the final scheduled for March 9.
The eight-team competition will feature 15 matches, hosted across multiple venues in Pakistan and Dubai. In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi have been selected as the three key venues. Each will host three group-stage matches, with Lahore staging the second semi-final.
The ICC has also confirmed that Lahore will host the final on March 9 unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be shifted to Dubai. Both semi-finals and the final will include reserve days, ensuring uninterrupted play for these critical fixtures.
Dubai will play a central role in the tournament, hosting the three group matches involving India as well as the first semi-final. The Dubai leg of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 20 with a clash between India and Bangladesh.
The tournament opener in Group A features hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The following weekend promises thrilling action, with arch-rivals England and Australia facing off in Lahore on February 22. The marquee match of the event, the Pakistan-India clash, is slated for February 23, adding to the excitement of the ICC tournament.
The eight participating teams secured their spots by finishing in the top eight positions of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 points table. Group A consists of defending Champions Trophy winners Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B includes Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises intense competition as the world’s top cricketing nations vie for the coveted white winners’ jackets. With diverse venues, iconic rivalries, and a packed schedule, the tournament is set to be a major highlight of the global cricket calendar. The ICC’s meticulous planning aims to deliver a spectacular event for players and fans alike.
Groups:
Group A – Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B – South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy Schedule:
19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai
21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai
24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai
4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai
5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
10 March, Reserve day
*All matches will be day-night encounters