The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy returns after an eight-year hiatus with 15 matches, featuring archrivals India and Pakistan in a highly anticipated group-stage encounter.
February 7, 2025: ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule: India vs Pakistan Set for February 23 in Dubai
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is back after eight long years, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan. Scheduled for February 23, the group-stage match will take place at the Dubai International Stadium.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Applauds Gill-Axar Stand After India’s Triumph Over England
The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the schedule on Tuesday, marking the return of the eight-team tournament, which will feature 15 matches spread over 19 days. The competition will run from February 19 to March 9, with defending champions Pakistan serving as the primary hosts.
Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Breaks Viewership Records on JioStar Network
Tournament Format and Groups:
Also Read: This Is Why Virat Kohli Misses First ODI Match Against England
The participating teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
- Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa
The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The first semi-final is set for March 4 in Dubai, while the second will take place on March 5 in Lahore. Depending on the finalists, the championship match on March 9 will either be hosted in Dubai or Lahore.
Key Matches to Watch:
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand (February 19, Karachi)
- India’s First Match: India vs Bangladesh (February 20, Dubai)
- India vs Pakistan: February 23, Dubai
- Semi-finals: March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore)
- Final: March 9
Hosting Details:
Pakistan, hosting its first major ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup, will stage matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, all of India’s matches, including a potential final, will be played in the UAE at a neutral venue due to ongoing diplomatic considerations.
ICC Champions Trophy History:
Since its inception in 1998 in Bangladesh, the Champions Trophy has crowned winners like South Africa, West Indies, Australia (twice), India (twice, including a shared title with Sri Lanka), and Pakistan. The last edition was held in 2017, with Pakistan defeating India in a memorable final.
Full Match Schedule:
- February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Group A, Karachi
- February 20: India vs Bangladesh, Group A, Dubai
- February 23: India vs Pakistan, Group A, Dubai
- March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore
- March 9: Final, Dubai/Lahore
For cricket fans, this edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy promises high-intensity action, historic rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
Tags:
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India vs Pakistan, cricket schedule, Dubai matches, international cricket, Pakistan hosts ICC, group-stage matches, ICC events, cricket rivalries, India cricket team