The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with the tentative schedule now revealed.
According to media reports, the tournament will begin with a clash between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
The much-awaited meeting between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23, at a neutral venue, probably Dubai.
India, adhering to the neutral venue policy, will play all matches outside Pakistan, including games against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
The tournament will culminate with the final on March 9, 2025, in Lahore or at a neutral venue, depending on India’s qualification.
Both the semi-final and final matches will have reserve days to ensure smooth running.
It is pertinent to mention that ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in hosts Pakistan and at a neutral venueconfirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader agreement under which matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, ensuring logistical and security viability.
The ‘merger formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after the Champions Trophy, including the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (hosted in India) and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
According to this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at a neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
