Pakistan cricket team‘s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, is jubilated after Pakistan is confirmed as the host of the Champions Trophy 2025. Rizwan’s delight comes as yesterday (December 24), the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule for the 8-team tournament.
Rizwan ready to defend ICC Champions Trophy title
Rizwan was announced captain in October and is expected to stay on at least until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Since taking over, Rizwan has won three back-to-back series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Currently in South Africa for a full-fledged tour, Rizwan expressed delight at not just hosting six teams but also having a chance at defending their title at their home.
“As a cricket loving country, we are all very excited to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Having done well with the help of Almighty in the ODIs recently adds to the excitement and build-up towards the mega-event, and we eagerly look forward to playing in front of our home crowd and excelling in the eight-team tournament,” Rizwan in a statement.
“Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is a great occasion as Pakistan welcomes first ICC event to its shores in 28 years and especially as we are the defending champions. We will try to meet the expectations of our fans. Our country is known for its great hospitality and I am sure the fans will not only support our team, but also appreciate the performances of other teams,” Rizwan added.
Champions Trophy 2025, Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| February 23 | Pakistan vs India | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
| February 24 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM |
| February 25 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM |
| February 26 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| February 27 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| March 1 | South Africa vs England | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| March 2 | New Zealand vs India | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
| March 4 | Semi-Final A1 vs B2 | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
| March 5 | Semi-Final B1 vs A2 | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| March 9 | Final | Lahore/Dubai* | 2:30 PM |
| March 10 | Reserve Day | Lahore/Dubai* | 2:30 PM |
