The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. Scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, this prestigious ODI tournament will feature the top eight cricketing nations competing for glory. Defending champions Pakistan will host the event, with matches being played in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while India’s fixtures are set for Dubai due to security concerns.
The tournament’s opening match, pitting Pakistan against New Zealand, will take place in Karachi on February 19, following a grand opening ceremony the day before. With 15 matches on the schedule, including 12 group-stage games, two semi-finals, and the grand finale, cricket enthusiasts are bracing for an action-packed three weeks.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Details |
| 18 Feb 2025 | Opening Ceremony | Karachi | Grand event to launch the tournament. |
| 19 Feb 2025 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | Karachi | Inaugural match. |
| 20 Feb 2025 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai | India’s opening game. |
| 22 Feb 2025 | Australia vs. England | Lahore | First match at the revamped Gaddafi Stadium. |
| 23 Feb 2025 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai | India’s second group-stage game. |
| 24 Feb 2025 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi | Pakistan’s second match. |
| 25 Feb 2025 | Afghanistan vs. England | Lahore | Group-stage action. |
| 26 Feb 2025 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi | Exciting contest between powerhouses. |
| 27 Feb 2025 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Lahore | Key group-stage fixture. |
| 28 Feb 2025 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Rawalpindi | Competitive clash in Group A. |
| 1 Mar 2025 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai | The marquee Indo-Pak showdown. |
| 2 Mar 2025 | South Africa vs. England | Rawalpindi | Final group-stage game. |
| 5 Mar 2025 | Semi-Final 1 | TBD | Likely hosted in Pakistan. |
| 6 Mar 2025 | Semi-Final 2 | TBD | Another high-stakes semi-final. |
| 9 Mar 2025 | Final | Lahore/Dubai | Venue depends on India’s participation in the final. |
Tournament Format
The Champions Trophy features a group-stage and knockout format:
Group Stage: Eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team plays three matches within their group.
Win: 2 points
Tie/No Result: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Knockouts: Top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals. Rankings are determined by points and Net Run Rate (NRR).
Every game carries significant weight as even a single loss can jeopardize a team’s chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
A Historic Tournament for Pakistan
This edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is historic for Pakistan, as the country hosts the event for the first time since international cricket returned to its shores. Matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi showcase Pakistan’s world-class venues and its vibrant cricket culture. The inclusion of Dubai for India’s fixtures ensures the participation of all eight teams.
Excitement Builds Among Fans
Fans are buzzing with excitement, reminiscing about iconic ICC Champions Trophy moments, such as Pakistan’s resounding victory over India in the 2017 final. The upcoming tournament rekindles those memories while offering fresh opportunities for drama and brilliance on the field.
As the countdown begins, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 stands as a celebration of cricket’s unifying power, bringing fans together for a month of unforgettable action. Whether it’s the opening ceremony in Karachi, the high-stakes Indo-Pak clash in Dubai, or the grand finale, this tournament is set to be a spectacular event.