The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule is out as the tournament is set to make a grand return next year, running from February 19 to March 9. Returning after eight years this matches highest elite eight-team tournament will deliver exciting cricketer action in Pakistan and UAE the first global cricket tournament which has been hosted by the country since 1996. Defending champions Pakistan involving the UAE will come together and stage a 15-match tournament full of passion and heart-stopping experiences.
Group Stage and Format
The tournament features two groups of four teams each:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
Each team participates in three group stage matches, and the best two teams from each group move to the semi-finals. The stakes are high as only 19 days separate the opening match from the crowning of the 2025 champions.
Opening Match and Key Fixtures
The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, with Pakistan playing New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Notably, India start their campaign the following day against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The eagerly awaited match between India and Pakistan will take place on February 23, also in Dubai, and is sure to be one of the main events of the tournament.
Australia will play England again in an eagerly looked forward match on February 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and will reignite the long-standing rivalry. The group stage ends with a match between India and New Zealand on 2 March.
Knockout Stage
Semi-finals will be played on March 4 and March 5, with Dubai playing the first and Lahore playing the second, depending on India and Pakistan qualifying, respectively. The grand finale is scheduled on March 9 in Lahore, however, if India make it then the next step will be attending the final in Dubai.
Venues and Unique Hosting Model
Notably, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai are finalized as the four venues. The hybrid hosting arrangement guarantees symmetry and thus allows Pakistan to bid for a majority of the games, and provide venue hosting for India’s games at a neutral ground in the UAE.
This model will be also extended to future international classifications of clinical courses, in particular, ICC events, until 2027. It will be introduced with the Champions Trophy and will be used in other events such as the (2025) Women’s ODI World Cup being held in India, and the (2026) Men’s T20 World Cup (co)hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Feb 2025 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 2:00 PM |
| 20 Feb 2025 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 21 Feb 2025 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | 2:00 PM |
| 22 Feb 2025 | Australia vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 2:00 PM |
| 23 Feb 2025 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 24 Feb 2025 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 25 Feb 2025 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 26 Feb 2025 | Afghanistan vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 2:00 PM |
| 27 Feb 2025 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 28 Feb 2025 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 2:00 PM |
| 1 Mar 2025 | South Africa vs. England | National Stadium, Karachi | 2:00 PM |
| 2 Mar 2025 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 4 Mar 2025 | Semi-final 1 (India if qualified) | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM |
| 5 Mar 2025 | Semi-final 2 (Pakistan if qualified) | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 2:00 PM |
| 9 Mar 2025 | Final (if India qualifies: Dubai) | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai | 2:00 PM |
Champions Trophy Legacy
The Champions Trophy, founded in 1998, has given us numerous great moments. Notably, Australia and India share the top position by winning it twice. Pakistan claimed their maiden Champions Trophy title in 2017, defeating India in a dramatic final at The Oval, London.
As the cricketing world gears up for the 2025 edition, fans can expect unparalleled excitement, fierce rivalries, and moments that will go down in history.
Also, see: Dubai confirmed as Champions Trophy 2025 venue for all India matches