Mark Your Calendars: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Announced with Thrilling Matchups

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off in Pakistan from February 19 to March 8, marking the return of a major ICC event to the country after a long hiatus. The tournament promises to deliver world-class cricket, but not without its share of controversies. Due to security concerns, India has opted to play all of its matches in the UAE, including their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan. The agreement between the PCB, ICC, and BCCI has resulted in a hybrid model, with the rest of the teams competing in Pakistan, and India’s games, along with the semifinals, taking place in Dubai.

The tournament will feature two exciting groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. The opening match of the tournament will see Pakistan face New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, followed by Bangladesh taking on India in Dubai on February 20.

The schedule promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats with crucial fixtures, including the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match on February 23 in Dubai. Key encounters will also include New Zealand vs India on March 2 and the semifinals on March 4 and 5 in Dubai and Lahore, respectively.

Full Schedule:

19 February: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi

20 February: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai

21 February: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi

22 February: Australia vs England, Lahore

23 February: Pakistan vs India, Dubai

24 February: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi

25 February: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi

26 February: Afghanistan vs England, Lahore

27 February: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi

28 February**: Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore

1 March: South Africa vs England, Karachi

2 March: New Zealand vs India, Dubai

4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai

5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore

9 March: Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, then Dubai)

10 March: Reserve day

With the hybrid model in place, the final could be played in Dubai if India qualifies. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the tournament, which promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.