Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the first time in 28 years that the country will welcome an ICC event. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the tournament schedule, which will take place from February 19 to March 10, 2025. Matches will be played across three major Pakistani cities—Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore—with Dubai International Cricket Stadium also set to host at least four games.
Tournament Venues and Match Distribution:
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams, and the matches will be held in three iconic stadiums in Pakistan. Here is how the matches will be distributed:
Karachi’s National Bank Stadium:
This venue will host three group matches.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also set to host three group matches.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium: The most matches will be played here, with at least four group matches scheduled.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Will host a minimum of four matches during the tournament.
All matches will begin at 2:00 PM local time.
Tournament Schedule and Key Fixtures:
The tournament will kick off on Wednesday, February 19 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, with defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Group A. Other key fixtures for the host nation include:
Sunday, February 23:
Pakistan will face India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in their second group match.
Thursday, February 27: Pakistan’s final group match will take place against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Group B Teams: Group B will feature Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, creating a thrilling race to the final stages of the tournament.
Semifinal and Final Matches:
The first semifinal will be played on Tuesday, March 4 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The second semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both semifinal matches will have reserve days.
The grand final will be held on Sunday, March 9, with the venue still to be confirmed between Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A reserve day is allocated for the final on Monday, March 10, in case of any disruptions.
Conclusion:
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling event, with Pakistan playing a central role as host. With matches scheduled in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai also involved, the tournament is set to offer an exciting spectacle. Cricket fans can look forward to intense competition as teams battle for supremacy in one of the most prestigious ICC tournaments.
