ICC Announces Schedule for 2025 Champions Trophy, India vs Pakistan on Feb 23

The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to start with the exciting host nation Pakistan in a clash against New Zealand on 19 February, as the ICC announced in December 24. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, along with three group-stage games for the Indian side, will also be hosted in Dubai in one of the semi-final matches scheduled on February 23.

Bangladesh joins India and New Zealand in Group A while Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, and England have been placed in Group B. The newcomers, Afghanistan will take on South Africa on the opening day, 21st February, at Karachi. One of the most awaited matches, of course, is the game between Australia and England that is scheduled to take place on the 22nd February in Lahore.

Rawalpindi will also stage some matches, with two involving Bangladesh. Both semis and the final have been scheduled for Lahore but if India makes it to the final, the game would be shifted to Dubai on March 9. All games will be day-nighters, starting at 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time, with a reserve day planned for both semis and the final.

After a long period of uncertainty, especially over India's refusal to play in Pakistan, the Champions Trophy is back after an eight-year gap. The situation was amicably resolved when the ICC approved neutral venues for India-Pakistan matches in global events over the next three years. Subsequently, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided on the UAE as the neutral venue for these encounters.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also commented on the agreement saying, "This agreement is a testament to the spirit of unity that drives our sport." He added that the Champions Trophy is a major event for Pakistan and, as such, will cement Pakistan's commitment to developing cricket and delivering a first-class event. He was of the opinion that the event will be an unforgettable experience for all.

Complete Match Schedule for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025