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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 after months of tussling, on 24 December (Tuesday). The mega tournament is all set to start on 19 February with the opening clash between Pakistan and New Zealand to be played in Karachi with the final on 9 March. Eight teams will take part in the marquee tournament and will witness 15 matches across 18 days. The tournament will be played under the hybrid model policy with Pakistan being the host and Dubai being the neutral venue.
ICC on Champions Trophy venues
"In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final. Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai," ICC stated in their anouncement.
Why Champions Trophy Final venue is not confirmed?
As India has turned down travelling to Pakistan due to security concerns, ICC had to adopt a hybrid model to make the tournament go ahead. The situation would have been the same if India had reached the final of the 50-over tournament. That's why ICC has not allotted a confirmed venue for the grand finale. If India reach the final, then Dubai will be the venue but otherwise, Lahore will have the honour to host the title decider.
Groups
Group A - Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B - South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy Schedule
19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai
21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai
24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai
4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai
5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
10 March, Reserve day
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