Breaking News: ICC Releases the Champions Trophy Schedule, India vs Pakistan on February 23 in UAE

The International Cricket Council released the full ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule just a few minutes ago. The schedule was delayed for a long time due to the diplomatic tussle between India and Pakistan. Last week, the diplomatic tussle was resolved, and all the India vs. Pakistan Matches in the ICC tournaments will be played at a neutral venue for the cycle 2025-29.

Tournament Timing and duration

The tournament will start on February 19 with the opening match between the defending champion Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. The tournament will span over 20 days and will feature the Iconic clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai on February 23. The semifinals will be played on March 4 and March 5, with both having one reserve day. The tournament will end with Finals on March 9 in Dubai(if India Qualifies); otherwise, in Karachi.

Group A and Group B

For the tournaments, teams are divided into two groups. 

Group A:

India 

New Zealand 

Pakistan 

Bangladesh

Group B:

South Africa 

Australia 

England 

Afghanistan 

West Indies and Sri Lanka couldn't qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 and will miss the tournament. 

The Iconic India versus Pakistan Match

The most awaited match between India and Pakistan will be played on February 23, and the game will be replayed in Dubai. After over a year since their last match in the cricket World Cup 2023, both teams will play a one-day international against each other. They had faced each other in the ICC T20 World 2024, which was T20 format. During the 2017 Champions Trophy, both teams reached the finals, where Pakistan defeated India to win the title.

The Diplomatic Tussle: India vs Pakistan 

The scheduled announcement was delayed due to the months-long face-off between the two nations. A few months ago, the BCCI sent a note to the ICC expressing its inability to play matches in Pakistan for security reasons. After India decided not to travel to Pakistan, PCB hit back with the argument that they would also not travel to India in the upcoming ICC tournaments. 

The marathon meeting, which started on November 29 to resolve the crisis, finally resolved the issue after two weeks. The conclusion and informal agreement were that India and Pakistan would play each other in upcoming ICC tournaments at a neutral venue for the cycle 2025-29.

Here is the Full Schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025

*Note: If India qualifies for the final, it will be played in Dubai