The probable schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been revealed, with Pakistan set to host the much-anticipated tournament.
The event will kick off on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium, Karachi.
The highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for February 23. The match is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide, underscoring the intense rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
Probable schedule highlights
- Opening match: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Karachi on Fe 19
- Pakistan vs. India: February 23 at a yet-to-be-announced venue
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh: February 27 in Rawalpindi
- Australia vs England: February 22 in Lahore
- Afghanistan vs England: February 26 in Lahore
- Afghanistan vs Australia: February 28 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Venues for knockout matches
According to the proposed schedule, one semi-final will be held in Lahore, while the other will take place at a neutral venue. Similarly, the final is planned to be held in Lahore, but if India qualifies, the match will also be moved to a neutral venue to accommodate logistical and diplomatic sensitivities.
Also Read: ICC announces hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025
On Dec 19, the ICC Board confirmed that India and Pakistan matches in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, regardless of which country is hosting.
This arrangement will apply to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February and March 2025 in Pakistan, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, hosted by India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has secured hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where the neutral venue policy will also be implemented.
