The eagerly awaited schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is happening in Pakistan and cricket fans from around the world are waiting for the playing dates. But the announcement is on hold as the PCB is in talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about India not participating.
With considerable progress made on venues and scheduling for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, we take a look. Below is how the tournament structure breaks down and what are the important fixtures.
Opening Phase of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Tournament Opener: Pakistan vs New Zealand (February 19)
- India’s Campaign Start: vs Bangladesh
- South Africa vs Afghanistan scheduled for Karachi
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule is Yet To Be Announced
India’s Group Stage Journey
- Opening Match: vs Bangladesh
- High-Stakes Clash: vs Pakistan (February 23)
- Final Group Game: vs New Zealand (March 2)
Key Venue Information
- Pakistani Host Cities: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi
- Implementation of Hybrid Model for India-Pakistan encounters
- Strategic neutral venue planning for specific matchups
Notable Group Stage Fixtures
- Australia vs England: Lahore (February 22)
- Afghanistan vs South Africa: Karachi (February 21)
- Bangladesh vs New Zealand: February 24
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Rawalpindi (February 27)
Tournament Climax
- Semi-Finals: March 4 and March 5
- Grand Finale: March 9 (Reserve day included)
- Final venue announcement pending
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
Hybrid Model Implementation
The PCB’s acceptance of the ICC’s hybrid model proposal marks a significant development:
- Agreement ensures smooth tournament operation
- Model extends to ICC events until 2027
- Special arrangements for India-Pakistan matches
This tournament marks the Champions Trophy’s return to international cricket, promising exciting matchups and world-class cricket action across Pakistani venues while accommodating diplomatic considerations through the hybrid model.
Conclusion
The lack of an official schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 continues to create suspense. While the hybrid model offers a potential path forward, the final decision rests with the ICC and the participating boards. Cricket fans worldwide hope for a swift resolution so they can begin anticipating the tournament with certainty.