The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking the return of the prestigious one-day tournament. The event will take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, with India playing in Dubai as part of a hybrid hosting model.
- The tournament runs from February 19 to March 9.
- Eight teams, split into two groups, will compete.
- Pakistan opens the event against New Zealand in Karachi.
Overview of the 2025 Champions Trophy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into Group A and Group B. Group A includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The semifinals will be held on March 4 and 5, and the final will take place on March 9.
Tournament Format and Venues
The tournament will adopt a round-robin format in the group stage. Each team will play three matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. Pakistan, as the host, will hold most of the matches across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while India’s group stage games will take place in Dubai.
Pakistan’s Group Stage Matches
- February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi (2:30 PM IST).
- February 23: Pakistan vs India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (2:30 PM IST).
- February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi (2:30 PM IST).
If Pakistan qualifies for the semifinals, their match will be held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5.
Pakistan’s History in the ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan is the defending champion, having won the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy in England. Despite starting their campaign in 2017 with a crushing loss to India, they made a remarkable recovery.
2017 Champions Trophy Highlights
- Pakistan defeated South Africa (DLS method) and Sri Lanka to reach the semifinals.
- In the first semifinal, Pakistan outclassed England by eight wickets.
- The final saw Pakistan dominate India with a 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman’s century (114 runs) and stellar bowling performances from Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali sealed their triumph.
Significance of the 2025 Champions Trophy
The tournament marks Pakistan’s first major ICC event hosting since 1996. Cricket fans globally anticipate high-stakes matches, particularly the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai.
Highlights of the India-Pakistan Rivalry
- India and Pakistan share a storied cricket rivalry.
- In ICC events, their matches are among the most viewed globally.
- The Dubai showdown promises another thrilling encounter.
Notable Players and Expectations for Pakistan
Key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan are expected to lead Pakistan’s charge in 2025. As the defending champions, Pakistan will aim to recreate their 2017 magic on home soil.
Challenges for Pakistan
- Facing strong teams like India, Australia, and England.
- Balancing expectations as the defending champions.
- Adjusting to different venues and pitches.
Full Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| February 23 | Pakistan vs India | Dubai International Stadium | 2:30 PM |
| February 27 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 2:30 PM |
| March 4 | Semifinal 1 | TBD | TBD |
| March 5 | Semifinal 2 (If Pakistan qualifies) | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | TBD |
| March 9 | Final | TBD | TBD |
Why the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Matters
The Champions Trophy is a pivotal event in the cricket calendar. For Pakistan, hosting the event is not just a sporting milestone but also an opportunity to showcase its cricketing infrastructure.
Impact on Global Cricket
- Revives international cricket in Pakistan.
- Strengthens Pakistan’s position as a host for major events.
- Encourages growth and unity through cricket.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy promises exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With Pakistan as hosts, cricket fans can expect a thrilling spectacle. As the tournament approaches, the world waits eagerly for the action to begin.
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
