15-match, eight-team event to be held in hybrid mode, Dubai to host India matches

Two times former champions India will take on Bangladesh in their opening Group A league encounter on 20 February at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 that will take place in hybrid mode from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

 The same comes after weeks of intense negotiations after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ODI tournament citing security concerns that was flagged by the Indian Union Government.

Dubai in fact will host all the matches involving India, including the one against defending champions Pakistan on 23 February followed by the knockout matches, as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) which announced the fixtures for the much awaited marque event that returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017.

Host Pakistan will however play the opening Group A league match on 19 February at National Stadium, Karachi and Afghanistan face South Africa on 21 February in Karachi.

The 15-match, eight-team event to be held over 19-days, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy, will also see two times former champions Australia, England and South Africa placed in Group B.

The quick fire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out including one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in a Group league encounter to be hosted by Lahore on 22 February.

The knock-out first semi-final tie is scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC Chair and former BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah on the occasion said, “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament's much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unlimited entertainment. This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE (hybrid mode), and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi whose country is hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE as neutral venue said, "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport. Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike”.

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan Vs New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb –India Vs Bangladesh, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan Vs South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia Vs England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – India Vs Pakistan, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb - Bangladesh Vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia Vs South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan Vs England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan Vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 Feb – Afghanistan Vs Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa Vs England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – India Vs New Zealand, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**

9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

All matches start at 13:30 hrs Indian Standard Time

* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

*** If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Photo Above: Eight teams including india will vie for the Champions Trophy that will be played over played over 19 days in Hybrid mode