December 23, 2024: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a major event, with India’s matches likely to be played in the UAE, following a decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the official hosts of the tournament. Due to the strained political relations between India and Pakistan, the UAE has been chosen as a neutral venue for India’s matches in the tournament, ensuring that the archrivals can still compete without issues related to travel or security.
This decision comes as part of the hybrid model introduced for ICC events during the 2024-2027 cycle, where competitions will be held in India or Pakistan, but neutral venues will be used for certain matches, such as those involving India and Pakistan. This model allows the two nations to continue participating in major international events despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions.
India’s Matches: India is set to face Pakistan on February 23, 2025, in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. India will also play Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2, with all these games expected to be held in Dubai, UAE.
Pakistan’s Matches: Pakistan, the defending champions, will begin their campaign in Karachi against New Zealand on February 19. They will also play their final group match in Rawalpindi against Bangladesh on February 27.
Semifinals and Final: The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5, with the final set for March 9, 2025. The final will be played in Lahore, though it could be moved to the UAE if India reaches that stage. The first semifinal will be held in the UAE if India qualifies, but if not, it will take place in Pakistan.
Other Teams: Apart from India and Pakistan, the tournament will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and South Africa.
As part of the hybrid model, all ICC events during the 2024-2027 period—including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka)—will have neutral venues for India-Pakistan encounters. The decision also covers future tournaments, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, for which Pakistan will be the host, again with neutral venue arrangements for some matches.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams, with the second group consisting of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa, while India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand will be in the other group. The tournament will follow a round-robin format in the group stages, with the top teams advancing to the knockout stages.
The decision to host the tournament in Pakistan, with UAE serving as a neutral venue for India’s matches, represents a compromise between the two nations, allowing cricket fans to witness this prestigious competition despite the political complexities.
This exciting tournament is set to be a significant milestone in international cricket, offering fans from across the globe a thrilling spectacle of top-tier cricket.
