Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19, 2025. This prestigious tournament promises to bring exciting cricketing action, with the world’s best teams battling for the coveted Champions Trophy.
The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will span 19 thrilling days, culminating in the grand final on March 9, 2025.
This year’s tournament will feature eight of the top cricketing nations, competing in 15 matches across two countries: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The matches will be spread across three iconic cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Dubai also playing host to some key fixtures. Lahore will host the final unless India qualifies for the final, in which case the match will be relocated to Dubai. Additionally, the semi-finals will be held at both Dubai and Lahore, with reserve days allocated for these crucial matches.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 follows the format of two groups, with each group consisting of four teams. Group A will see Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts, facing off against India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Group B features the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
The tournament schedule is packed with action, beginning with the opening game between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The UAE leg kicks off on February 20 with a highly anticipated clash between India and Bangladesh in Dubai.
The group stage continues with Afghanistan taking on South Africa in Karachi on February 21, followed by the much-anticipated England vs. Australia showdown in Lahore on February 22. The day after, Pakistan will meet their arch-rivals India in Dubai for one of the most thrilling contests in world cricket. Other notable matches in the group stage include New Zealand taking on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, and Afghanistan playing England in Lahore.
The tournament will reach its peak with the semi-finals and final. The first semi-final will take place in Dubai on March 4, and the second semi-final will be held in Lahore on March 5. These matches will determine the two teams that will face off for the prestigious title in the grand final on March 9 in Lahore. If India qualifies for the final, however, the match will be shifted to Dubai.
For those following the tournament, here is the full schedule:
Champions Trophy 2025 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, ensuring a thrilling atmosphere under the floodlights. With the excitement building up, fans can expect a fiercely contested tournament, with teams leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy.