The order of events is such that Pakistan cricket will host an ICC event after a 28-year wait, a momentous occasion for the country. Featuring Pakistan and Dubai, dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been officially announced — running February 19th to March 10th.
Match Distribution and Tournament Venues
Packages for three Champions Trophy 2025 matches will be hosted in Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. The distribution of matches is as follows:
- Karachi (National Bank Stadium): Three group matches
- Rawalpindi (Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium): Three group matches
- Lahore (Gaddafi Stadium): That is, at least four matches (including a semi final and maybe the final)
- Dubai (Dubai International Cricket Stadium): Four or more matches (including a group stage India-Pakistan match and a semi and maybe a final)
- All the matches will start at 2 PM Pakistan Time (PKT).
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan Match Date, Venue, and Live Streaming Details
Key Matchups in Pakistan’s Tournament Journey
Defending champions Pakistan begin their campaign against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19th. The Pakistan vs India clash tentatively slated for Feb 23rd, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in the final Group stage match on February 27th.
Group Stage Composition
The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan.
Semi-Finals and Final Details
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals:
- Semi-final 1: If India qualify, then this semi final will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (March 4th).
- Semi-final 2: This semi-final will be hosted between Pakistan if they qualify, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (March 5th).
A final is set for March 9th. If India qualifies, the final will be played at either either Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore or Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The final has now been allocated a reserve day, set for March 10th.
Also Read: PCB Set to Receive Rs 38 Crore Compensation from ICC for Champions Trophy Hybrid Model
PCB Officials and Players reactions
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi:
It expressed pleasure to have reached an agreement based on equality and respect, and thanked ICC members for their constructive role. Pakistan was keen to host a memorable tournament and to keep extending its renowned hospitality, he said.
Pakistan’s White-ball Captain Mohammad Rizwan:
He expressed excitement to host the Champions Trophy and to play in front of home crowds. He also said his team was ready to meet fans’ expectations with the team determined to host Pakistan’s first ICC event in 28 years.
- *India will know if they qualify to play in semi final 1
- ** If they qualify, Pakistan will then play in semi final 2
- *** If India make it to the final, it will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
Conclusion
The official schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is out and that is a moment of history for Pakistan Cricket. The tournament has promise of exciting matchups and ample variety in venues which make for a great spectacle across the globe.