ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will bring together eight top-ranked cricket teams for an exciting tournament in Pakistan and the UAE. Key teams like Pakistan, India, Australia, and England will compete, promising thrilling matches. Learn about the teams, venues, group stages, and more in this comprehensive guide to the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy.
When is the Champions Trophy 2025?
Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19 with a group match between Pakistan and New Zealand. The first semi-final will be played in Dubai on March 4 and the second in Lahore on March 5. The penultimate match will be played on March 9, with the likely venues being Dubai and Lahore, depending on India’s qualification. The tournament is being played in a hybrid format after India announced its stance to not play in Pakistan.
Teams and Qualification:
A total of eight teams will participate in the tournament:
- Pakistan: As the host nation, Pakistan automatically qualifies for the tournament.
- Top seven teams from the 2023 Cricket World Cup: The top seven teams from the World Cup will secure spots in the Champions Trophy.
- This will mark Sri Lanka’s absence from the tournament, and Afghanistan will appear first.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Venues:
Matches will be played across three cities in Pakistan:
- Karachi: National Stadium will host three matches.
- Lahore: Gaddafi Stadium will feature five matches, including the two semi-finals and the final.
- Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will have three matches.
Additionally, all matches in the UAE will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium(ICC Champions Trophy 2025), with a capacity of 25,000 spectators. The first semi-final, second semi-final, and final will be held here.
Group Stage and Format:
The teams will be divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and India.
- Group B: England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Each team will play against the other three teams in their group. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
Team Announcements:
Several teams have already announced their squads for the tournament(ICC Champions Trophy 2025). For example, on January 13, 2025, Australia announced its 15-member squad, with Pat Cummins named as the captain. The squad includes key players such as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
India’s Situation:
India has decided not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament(ICC Champions Trophy 2025), largely due to political tensions between the two countries. This decision has led to discussions regarding the potential relocation of India’s matches to the UAE or Sri Lanka.
Key Matches:
- February 19, 2025: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi, National Stadium.
- February 20, 2025: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai, Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- February 23, 2025: India vs. Pakistan, Dubai, Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- March 4, 2025: First Semi-Final, Dubai, Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- March 5, 2025: Second Semi-Final, Lahore, Gaddafi Stadium.
- March 9, 2025: Final, Dubai or Lahore.
Official Schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan(ICC Champions Trophy 2025) from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Here is the complete schedule of matches:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Feb | Pakistan v New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:00 |
| 20 Feb | Bangladesh v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 14:00 |
| 21 Feb | Afghanistan v South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:00 |
| 22 Feb | Australia v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| 23 Feb | Pakistan v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 14:00 |
| 24 Feb | Bangladesh v New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 14:00 |
| 25 Feb | Australia v South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 14:00 |
| 26 Feb | Afghanistan v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| 27 Feb | Pakistan v Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 14:00 |
| 28 Feb | Afghanistan v Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| 1 Mar | South Africa v England | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:00 |
| 2 Mar | New Zealand v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 14:00 |
| 4 Mar | Semi-final 1* | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 14:00 |
| 5 Mar | Semi-final 2** | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| 9 Mar | Final*** | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
Conclusion:
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be an exciting event for cricket fans around the world, featuring top-tier teams competing for the prestigious title. While India’s participation remains uncertain, the tournament promises to deliver high-quality cricket and increase the sport’s global appeal. It will serve as a crucial platform for teams to showcase their talent and passion for the game.
