The cricketing world is gearing up for the ninth edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, set to unfold over 19 thrilling days. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the official schedule and groupings on Tuesday, 24 December, revealing that the tournament will kick off on 19 February 2025 in Karachi, culminating in the final on 9 March.
The eight-team competition will showcase 15 action-packed matches, hosted across Pakistan and Dubai, making it one of the most anticipated events in the cricket calendar.
Tournament Venues and Structure
In Pakistan, the matches will be spread across three iconic venues: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Each city will host three group-stage matches, with Lahore set to stage both the second semi-final and the grand final on 9 March.
However, if India qualifies for the final, the match will be shifted to Dubai due to ongoing logistical considerations. Both semi-finals and the final will include reserve days to ensure smooth proceedings.
The Dubai leg of the tournament will host India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final, ensuring a high-energy atmosphere in one of cricket’s global hubs.
Opening Matches and Key Clashes
The tournament opener in Karachi will feature hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in a Group A clash on 19 February. The following day, the action shifts to Dubai, where India will square off against Bangladesh, marking the start of their Champions Trophy campaign.
Group B kicks off on 21 February, with Afghanistan taking on South Africa in Karachi. The highly-anticipated rivalry between England and Australia unfolds in Lahore on 22 February, setting the stage for a big weekend.
The most eagerly awaited match of the tournament—Pakistan vs. India—is slated for 23 February in Dubai, promising yet another chapter in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
Tournament Groups and Teams
The eight participating teams are those that finished in the top eight positions during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. These teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Full Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19 February | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | Karachi, Pakistan |
| 20 February | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai |
| 21 February | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | Karachi, Pakistan |
| 22 February | Australia vs. England | Lahore, Pakistan |
| 23 February | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai |
| 24 February | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| 25 February | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| 26 February | Afghanistan vs. England | Lahore, Pakistan |
| 27 February | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| 28 February | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Lahore, Pakistan |
| 1 March | South Africa vs. England | Karachi, Pakistan |
| 2 March | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai |
| 4 March | Semi-final 1 | Dubai |
| 5 March | Semi-final 2 | Lahore, Pakistan |
| 9 March | Final | Lahore (or Dubai)** |
| 10 March | Reserve day |
Note: If India qualifies for the final, it will be played in Dubai.
Looking Ahead
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to deliver high-intensity cricket as the world’s best teams vie for the coveted white winners’ jackets. With rivalries rekindled and new stars set to shine, fans across the globe are in for a treat.
Stay tuned as Pakistan, the tournament hosts and reigning Champions Trophy winners, aim to defend their title against cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, and England. The countdown to February has begun, and the stage is set for cricketing excellence.
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