The ICC Champions Trophy schedule has been announced ahead of the tournament’s long-awaited return in 2025.
The 50-over competition returns to the international calendar for the first time since 2017, with Pakistan hosting a global cricket tournament for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
Defending champions and hosts Pakistan kick off the 15-match eight-team tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
Bangladesh and India join Pakistan and New Zealand in Group A, while Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa are in Group B.
In the first match of the tournament, England will face 2006 and 2009 winners Australia in Lahore on February 22 before the improbable clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai on February 23.
After the 12 group stage matches, the top two sides in each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners competing in the final on March 9 in Lahore to get their hands on the Champions Trophy and the iconic white jacket.
Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 at The Oval.
Where are the meetings held?
The matches in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will be played in Pakistan, while the matches involving India will be played in the United Arab Emirates.
The neutral venue of Dubai was chosen after the ICC confirmed that all matches between Pakistan and India in ICC tournaments, both men’s and women’s, including next year’s Women’s World Cup, will be played at neutral venues until at least 2027.
Political tensions between the two countries have led to strained sporting relations, with India, cricket’s richest and most powerful nation, not playing a match in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.
As a result, India will play Semi-Final 1 in Dubai if they qualify, while Pakistan will play Semi-Final 2 in Lahore if they advance.The final, scheduled to be played in Lahore on March 9, will also be shifted to the UAE if India qualify.
India will host the Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates
ICC Champions Trophy Schedule
Group A
February 19: Pakistan – New Zealand (Karachi)
February 20: Bangladesh – India (Dubai)
February 23: Pakistan – India (Dubai)
February 24: Bangladesh – New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
February 27: Pakistan – Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
February 28: Afghanistan – Australia (Lahore)
Group B
February 21: Afghanistan – South Africa (Karachi)
February 22: Australia – England (Lahore)
February 25: Australia – South Africa (Rawalpindi)
February 26: Afghanistan – England (Lahore)
March 1: South Africa – England (Karachi)
March 2: New Zealand – India (Dubai)
Semi-final
March 4: Semi Final 1, A1 v 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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