The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, with the tentative schedule now revealed.
According to media reports, the tournament will open with a clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.
The highly-anticipated encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 at a neutral venue, likely to be Dubai.
India, adhering to the neutral venue policy, will play all its matches outside Pakistan, including games against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
The tournament will culminate with the final on March 9, 2025, either in Lahore or at a neutral venue, depending on India’s qualification.
Both semifinal matches and the final will have reserve days to ensure smooth conduct.
It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across hosts Pakistan and neutral venue, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader arrangement where matches between India and Pakistan at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral locations, ensuring logistical and security feasibility.
The ‘fusion formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after Champions Trophy, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (to be hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
