ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Teams, Venues, and Key Insights

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to make a grand return after an eight-year hiatus. Hosted by Pakistan, this prestigious tournament will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, featuring the top eight cricketing nations. With a mix of high-stakes matches, iconic rivalries, and world-class venues, the event promises to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Here’s an in-depth look at the schedule, teams, venues, and everything else you need to know.

Tournament Overview

  • Host Nation: Pakistan 
  • Dates: February 19 – March 9, 2025 
  • Format: ODI (50-over matches)  
  • Teams: Top eight ranked teams in ICC ODI rankings  

Groups:

  • Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
  • Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan  
  • Venues: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi (India’s matches to be played in UAE due to political tension)

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Schedule

Match No. Teams Venue Date Time (Local)
1 Pakistan vs New Zealand Karachi Feb 19, 2025 3:00 PM
2 England vs India Lahore Feb 20, 2025 3:00 PM
3 Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Lahore Feb 21, 2025 3:00 PM
4 Australia vs West Indies Lahore Feb 22, 2025 3:00 PM
5 India vs New Zealand Dubai (UAE) Feb 23, 2025 TBD
6 Pakistan vs England Rawalpindi Feb 24, 2025 3:00 PM
Semi-Final #1 TBD Lahore Mar 05, 2025 TBD
Semi-Final #2 TBD Rawalpindi Mar 06, 2025 TBD
Final TBD Lahore Mar 09, 2025 TBD

Note: The schedule is subject to final confirmation by ICC.

Venues and Hosting Preparations

1. Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore)

  • Capacity: ~34,000
  • Known for its rich cricketing history and electrifying atmosphere.
  • Will host key matches like the final and semi-finals.

2. National Stadium (Karachi)

  • Capacity: ~34,000
  • A historic venue that has hosted numerous international matches.

3. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Rawalpindi)

  • Capacity: ~15,000
  • A vibrant stadium with an enthusiastic crowd.

4. Neutral Venues in UAE

India’s matches will be held in Dubai due to security concerns. Dubai International Stadium is likely to host these games.

Hosting Preparations:

The PCB has invested heavily in upgrading facilities at all venues. Renovations worth PKR 12 billion include modernized seating arrangements and enhanced security measures to ensure a smooth tournament experience

Tournament Format

The ICC Champions Trophy follows a concise format:

  1. Two groups of four teams each.
  2. Round-robin matches within groups.
  3. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
  4. Winners of the semi-finals face off in the grand finale.

This format ensures a high level of competition while keeping the tournament short and engaging.

Key Matches to Watch

1. India vs Pakistan

  • Date: February 27
  • Venue: Dubai International Stadium (UAE)

This clash is one of the most anticipated rivalries in cricket history and promises to be a blockbuster.

2. Semi-Finals and Final

The knockout stages will feature intense battles as the top four teams vie for the coveted trophy.

Team Previews

Group A Teams

  1. Pakistan:
    Strengths:
    Strong bowling attack led by Shaheen Afridi.
    Key Players: Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan.

  2. India:
    Strengths: Deep batting lineup with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
    Key Players: Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler), Shubman Gill (Batter)

  3. New Zealand:
    Strengths: Balanced team with experienced campaigners like Kane Williamson.
    Key Players: Trent Boult (Bowler), Devon Conway (Batter)

  4. Bangladesh:

        Strengths: Experienced all-rounders like Shakib Al Hasan.
        Key Players: Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper), Taskin Ahmed (Bowler)

 

Group B Teams

  1. Australia:
    Strengths: Aggressive batting lineup and world-class pacers.
    Key Players: Steve Smith (Batter), Mitchell Starc (Bowler).

  2. England:
    Strengths: Explosive batting lineup led by Jos Buttler.
    Key Players: Joe Root (Batter), Jofra Archer (Bowler).

  3. South Africa:
    Strengths: Power hitters and pace attack.
    Key Players: Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper), Kagiso Rabada (Bowler).

  4. Afghanistan:
    Strengths: Spin attack led by Rashid Khan.
    Key Players: Mohammad Nabi (All-rounder), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Batter).

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Historical Context

The ICC Champions Trophy was first held in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Trophy and later renamed in 2002. Over eight editions:

  • Australia and India have won twice each.
  • Pakistan claimed their maiden title in 2017, defeating India in the final.

Security Concerns and Hybrid Model

India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan has led to a hybrid hosting model where their matches will be played in UAE. The PCB has assured state-level security for all visiting teams.

FAQs

Q1. What is the ICC Champions Trophy?

The ICC Champions Trophy is a premier ODI cricket tournament featuring the top eight ranked teams globally.

Q2. When will the ICC Champions Trophy take place?

It will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

Q3. Why are India’s matches being played in UAE?

Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s matches will be hosted at neutral venues like Dubai.

Q4. How can fans buy tickets?

Ticket details will be announced closer to the event date via official ICC channels

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