ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Tournament Overview & Schedule

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, 2025, marking the return of this prestigious One Day International (ODI) tournament after an eight-year hiatus. Co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the tournament will feature eight top-ranked teams competing across 15 matches from February 19 to March 9, 2025. 

 

Tournament Structure and Venues

✔ Participating Teams & Groups:

✔ Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
✔ Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

 

Match Venues:

✔ Pakistan: National Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Rawalpindi)
✔ UAE: Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai)

✔ Note: Due to geopolitical considerations, all of India's matches will take place in Dubai.

 

Key Fixtures

✔ Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand → February 19 at National Stadium, Karachi.
✔ High-Profile Clash: India vs. Pakistan → February 23 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
✔ Traditional Rivalry: Australia vs. England → February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

✔ Semi-Finals: March 4 (Dubai) & March 5 (Lahore)
✔ Grand Final: March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies).

 

Prize Pool

✔ The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a total prize pool of $6.9 million for the tournament.
✔ This marks a 53% increase from the previous edition in 2017.
✔ Champions' Prize: $2.24 million
✔ Runners-up Prize: $1.12 million

 

Team Updates

✔ England: Facing injuries to key players Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith.
✔ Concern: Possible all right-handed batting lineup due to the lack of left-handed batsmen.
✔ Australia: Mitchell Starc has withdrawn due to personal reasons.
✔ Squad Update: Inclusion of Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshius in the bowling lineup.
✔ India: Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out due to injury, posing a challenge to India's bowling attack.
 

Ticketing and Fan Engagement

✔ Additional tickets for Dubai matches, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash, were released on February 16, 2025.
✔ Tickets sold out swiftly, reflecting immense enthusiasm among fans.

✔ As the tournament approaches, teams are finalizing their preparations, and fans worldwide eagerly await the resumption of this celebrated cricketing event.

 

Group Stage Matches

➤ February 19, 2025 → Pakistan vs. New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi
➤ February 20, 2025 → Bangladesh vs. India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
➤ February 21, 2025 → Afghanistan vs. South Africa at National Stadium, Karachi
➤ February 22, 2025 → Australia vs. England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
➤ February 23, 2025 → Pakistan vs. India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
➤ February 24, 2025 → New Zealand vs. Bangladesh at National Stadium, Karachi
➤ February 25, 2025 → South Africa vs. Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
➤ February 26, 2025 → England vs. Afghanistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
➤ February 27, 2025 → Pakistan vs. Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
➤ February 28, 2025 → Afghanistan vs. Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
➤ March 1, 2025 → South Africa vs. England at National Stadium, Karachi
➤ March 2, 2025 → New Zealand vs. India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

 

Knockout Stage

✔ March 4, 2025 → Semi-final 1 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
✔ March 5, 2025 → Semi-final 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
✔ March 9, 2025 → Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies

 

Match Timings:

 
✔ All matches start at 09:00 AM GMT (02:00 PM Pakistan Time, 01:00 PM Dubai Time).
✔ India’s matches will be played in Dubai due to geopolitical considerations.

This schedule ensures an exciting and action-packed tournament as the top cricketing nations compete for glory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy stands as a landmark event in the cricketing calendar, symbolizing not only the sport's competitive spirit but also its power to unite nations and cultures. As teams and fans converge in Pakistan and the UAE, the tournament promises to deliver memorable moments, showcase emerging talents, and uphold the rich traditions of cricket. With meticulous preparations, enhanced infrastructure, and a lineup of thrilling matches, the stage is set for a spectacular celebration of the gentleman's game.