The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has brought unexpected travel challenges for Australia and South Africa due to the long-standing India-Pakistan rivalry. Both teams must travel to Dubai after their Group B matches but may need to return to Pakistan for the semifinals. This complex scheduling stems from India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, leading to a co-hosting arrangement between the PCB and ICC.
- Australia and South Africa must travel to Dubai after Group B matches.
- One team will return to Pakistan for the semifinals.
- India’s decision led to a split hosting between Pakistan and UAE.
Back-and-Forth Travel for Knockout Stages
The top two teams from Group B, likely Australia and South Africa, will fly to Dubai after their group stage matches. However, one of them will return to Lahore for a semifinal match. The uncertainty remains as team positions will be decided after the England vs South Africa and India vs New Zealand matches.
Why is Dubai Hosting Some Matches?
Originally, Pakistan was the sole host of the tournament. However, due to political tensions, India refused to play in Pakistan. As a result, the ICC moved part of the tournament to Dubai to ensure India’s participation.
Current Hosting Arrangements:
- One semifinal in Dubai and one in Lahore.
- Final location depends on India’s performance:
- If India reaches the final → Dubai will host.
- If India is eliminated → Pakistan will host.
Semifinal Lineup Still Uncertain
While India, Australia, and South Africa are almost certain to qualify, the fourth semifinalist remains undecided. Afghanistan, New Zealand, and England still have mathematical chances. The final matchups will only be clear after the last group-stage games.
Possible Semifinal Teams:
- India (confirmed, will play in Dubai)
- Australia (confirmed, likely to travel between Pakistan and UAE)
- South Africa (almost qualified)
- One team among Afghanistan, England, or New Zealand
Uncertain Final Venue
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final could be in Dubai or Pakistan. If India qualifies, Dubai will host. If India is knocked out, the final will shift to Pakistan. This situation highlights how politics continues to shape cricket tournaments, affecting both teams and fans.
The India-Pakistan conflict has complicated the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule. Australia and South Africa face extensive travel, while India’s presence dictates the final’s location. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await the final semifinal line-up and the decision on the host venue for the championship match.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
