The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 19 February 2025, with the final scheduled to be played on 9 March 2025.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will see eight teams divided into two groups each. The top two teams from both groups will play in the semi-finals, and the winners of the semi-finals will compete against each other in the tournament final.
ICC Champions Cup 2025 Groups
The India national cricket team, along with defending champions Pakistan national cricket team, New Zealand national cricket team, and Bangladesh national cricket team, have been placed in one group. While Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan were placed in the other group of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Group One: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh.
Group Two: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan.
The Pakistan national cricket team will play in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy against the New Zealand national cricket team. While the India national cricket team will play on the second day of the event, which will be played in a two-nation format.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was recently accepted by the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to be played in the hybrid model. Hence, according to this model, the Indian national cricket team's matches will be held in Dubai along with the semi-finals and final.
The India-Pakistan match will be held on February 23
The India national cricket team will open their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign against the Bangladesh national cricket team on February 20. Next, they will take on the Pakistan national cricket team on February 23.
Their last league match will be against the New Zealand national cricket team, which will be played on 2 March. All matches of the Indian national cricket team will be played in Dubai.
The knockout stage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will begin on March 4, followed by the second semi-final to be played on March 5. The International Cricket Council also reserved the reserve day for the tournament final.
In an official media statement, ICC President Jay Shah said that they are excited to witness the Champions Trophy once again in Pakistan and the UAE. He said:
“The International Kremlin Council is pleased to release the schedule for the 2025 Men's Champions Cup, marking the long-awaited return of the tournament since 2017. The exciting competition, in which eight teams battle it out for the famous white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.
“This edition will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also being home to the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly expected to be an unmissable celebration of the best cricketers In the world.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that they are happy to reach a mutual agreement on the Champions Trophy dispute. He said:
“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation and togetherness that defines our sport.
“We express our deep gratitude to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us reach a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”
Complete schedule of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi
February 20 – Bangladesh vs India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
February 21 – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
February 22 – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 23 – Pakistan vs India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
February 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
February 25 – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
February 26 – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
February 28 – Afghanistan vs Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 1 – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi
March 2 – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
March 4 – Semi-Final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*
March 5 – Semi-Final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**
March 9 – Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***
*Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify
**The second semi-final will feature Pakistan if they qualify