The fixtures for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were officially unveiled on December 24, with the tournament set to begin on February 19 and conclude with the final on March 9. A total of 15 matches will be played across Pakistan and Dubai, featuring eight of the world’s top cricketing nations.
One of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited games, the India vs Pakistan clash, has been scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. Due to security and logistical concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about traveling to Pakistan, all of India’s group stage matches and the first semi-final have been relocated to Dubai.
Groups and Tournament Format
The teams have been split into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh
- Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa
Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
The tournament opener will see hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. Other key group-stage matches include the clash between Cricket World Cup 2023 winners Australia and England on February 22 in Lahore, and South Africa facing England in Karachi on March 1.
India’s group matches are:
- February 20: India vs Bangladesh in Dubai
- February 23: India vs Pakistan in Dubai
- March 2: India vs New Zealand in Dubai
Semi-finals and Final
The semi-finals will be held on March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with the final scheduled for March 9 in Lahore. However, if India qualifies for the final, it will be shifted to Dubai due to their matches being held exclusively outside Pakistan.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Fixtures:
- 19 February: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- 20 February: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
- 21 February: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
- 22 February: Australia vs England, Lahore
- 23 February: Pakistan vs India, Dubai
- 24 February: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- 25 February: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
- 26 February: Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
- 27 February: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
- 28 February: Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
- 1 March: South Africa vs England, Karachi
- 2 March: New Zealand vs India, Dubai
- 4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- 5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore
- 9 March: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)
The return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus promises thrilling contests, with rivalries like India vs Pakistan and Australia vs England set to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
The tournament also marks a significant moment for Pakistan as they co-host an ICC event alongside Dubai. The stage is set for a month-long cricketing spectacle, and fans eagerly await February 19, when the action begins.
