The ICC Champions Trophy schedule has been announced ahead of the much-awaited return of the tournament in 2025.

The 50-over competition returns to the international schedule for the first time since 2017, with Pakistan hosting the global cricket event for the first time since 1996 when it co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

Defending champions and hosts Pakistan will kick off the 15-match, eight-team tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.

Bangladesh and India are in Group A along with Pakistan and New Zealand, while Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa are in Group B.

England’s first match will be against 2006 and 2009 champions Australia in Lahore on February 22, followed by a not-to-be-missed clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai on February 23 .

After the 12 group matches, the top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners competing for the championship trophy and the iconic white badge in the finals in Lahore on March 9. jacket.

Where will the game be played?

Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host matches in Pakistan, while matches involving India will be played in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai’s neutral venue selection comes after the International Cricket Council confirmed that all matches between Pakistan and India in the ICC tournament – both men’s and women’s matches, including next year’s Women’s World Cup – will be played at neutral venues, at least until Until 2027.

Political tensions between the two countries have strained sporting ties, while India, cricket’s richest and most powerful nation, has not played a match in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

So, if India advances, they will play the first game of the semi-finals in Dubai and if Pakistan advances, they will play the second game of the semi-finals in Lahore. The final is scheduled to be held in Lahore on March 9 and will also move to the UAE if India qualify.

ICC Champions Trophy Schedule

Group A

February 19: Pakistan v New Zealand (Karachi)

February 20: Bangladesh v India (Dubai)

February 23: Pakistan v India (Dubai)

February 24: Bangladesh v New Zealand (Rawalpindi)

February 27: Pakistan v Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)

February 28: Afghanistan v Australia (Lahore)

Group B

February 21: Afghanistan v South Africa (Karachi)

February 22: Australia v England (Lahore)

February 25: Australia v South Africa (Rawalpindi)

February 26: Afghanistan v England (Lahore)

March 1: South Africa v England (Karachi)

March 2: New Zealand v India (Dubai)

semifinals

March 4: Semi-final 1, A1 vs. B2 (Dubai)*

March 5: Semi-final 2, A2 v B1 (Lahore)**

final

March 9: Winner of Semi-final 1 v Winner of Semi-final 2 (Lahore)***

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