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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan showdown slated for 23 February (Sunday) in Dubai. This announcement comes just days after confirming that India and Pakistan will not play on each other’s soil until at least 2027.  

INDIA’S GROUP STAGE MATCHES

India, grouped with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in Group A, will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on 20 February in Dubai. Their final group stage match will also take place in Dubai against New Zealand on 2 March.  

PAKISTAN’S GROUP STAGE FIXTURES

Defending champions and hosts Pakistan will open the tournament on 19 February, facing New Zealand in Karachi. Their final group-stage match was scheduled against Bangladesh on 27 February in Rawalpindi.  

KEY TOURNAMENT DETAILS

- Semi-finals: The two semi-final matches will be held on 4 March and 5 March, with the first semi-final set for the UAE regardless of India’s qualification.  

- Final: The tournament will conclude with the final on 9 March in Lahore. However, if India qualifies, the final will shift to Dubai. A reserve day is in place for the final.  

GROUP B TEAMS AND VENUES

Group B comprises Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Matches involving these teams, along with non-India fixtures from Group A, will take place across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.  

NEUTRAL VENUES FOR INDIA MATCHES

India’s matches have been allocated to the UAE as part of a hybrid model agreed upon by the ICC. This decision follows discussions between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE Minister Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak. The arrangement ensures that India-Pakistan matches at ICC events hosted by either country will be played at neutral venues through 2027.  

The hybrid model also applies to other upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka), and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan.  

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 GROUPS

Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand  

Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa  

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 FULL SCHEDULE

- 19 February: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi  

- 20 February: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai  

- 21 February: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi  

- 22 February: Australia vs. England, Lahore  

- 23 February: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai  

- 24 February: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi  

- 25 February: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi  

- 26 February: Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore  

- 27 February: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi  

- 28 February: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore  

- 1 March: South Africa vs. England, Karachi  

- 2 March: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai  

- 4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai  

- 5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore  

- 9 March: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)  

- 10 March: Reserve day  

The 2025 Champions Trophy promises thrilling cricket action, with marquee clashes and high-stakes matches set to captivate fans worldwide.