The ICC Champions Trophy returns for its ninth edition in February and March 2025, with Pakistan as the official host. This is Pakistan’s first ICC event since 1996, and it’s slated to follow the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. However, the tournament’s location may be reconsidered due to security concerns, especially around India’s participation. Let’s check out the tentative schedule for the Champions Trophy.
ICC delegation on inspection
A five-member ICC team visited Pakistan on September 18, 2024, for security and facility evaluations, with the main venues being Karachi’s National Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. India’s participation remains uncertain, with a potential neutral venue or hybrid model under consideration due to political sensitivities.
India’s participation and security challenges
Due to political tensions, the Indian team may not travel to Pakistan. The ICC’s security manager is meeting with local authorities to ensure safety measures are in place, though the final decision depends on official government approval.
Eight top ODI teams will compete, including hosts Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, and England. Similar to the 2017 edition, the tournament will feature two groups, with each team playing within their group in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the final on March 14, 2025
Tentative schedule and matches for the Champions Trophy
The anticipated dates for the Champions Trophy are February 19 to March 9, 2025. Exciting matches include an India-Pakistan showdown on March 1 and the semi-finals on March 5, followed by the grand final on March 9, subject to India’s confirmation.
India’s attendance hinges on political and security approvals. Pakistan’s last bilateral cricket series against India held in 2006, these conditions have become critical for the 2025 Champions Trophy’s success.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, tentative schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 19 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Karachi |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Lahore |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore |
| February 23 | New Zealand vs India | Lahore |
| February 24 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| February 25 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore |
| February 26 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| February 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Rawalpindi |
| March 1 | Pakistan vs India | Lahore |
| March 2 | South Africa vs England | Rawalpindi |
| March 5 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Karachi |
| March 6 | Semi-final: TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi |
| March 9 | Final: TBC vs TBC | Lahore |
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