ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick start with Pakistan vs New Zealand match in Karachi on Feb 19. While Pakistan is the tournament’s official host, Dubai will host all matches involving India Cricket Team. The mega India vs Pakistan clash will be played in Dubai on Feb 23. The final of the CT 2025 will take place in Dubai on March 9 if India qualify. Lahore will host the final if India fail to qualify. There will be a total of 15 matches across all four venues. Take a look at the schedule and venues in detail.
The ICC Champions Trophy marks the return of ICC events in Pakistan after 28 years. Pakistan last hosted an ICC event back in the 1996 ODI World Cup. The schedule also took time to finalise as the event sparked controversy, especially regarding the venues. While the PCB is the official host, with the BCCI refusing to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, India will play all their matches in Dubai.
ICC Champions Trophy Schedule
| Date | Day | Match | Group/Stage | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19 | Wednesday | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Group A | 14:30 | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Feb 20 | Thursday | India vs Bangladesh | Group A | 14:30 | Dubai International Stadium |
| Feb 21 | Friday | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Group B | 14:30 | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Feb 22 | Saturday | Australia vs England | Group B | 14:30 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Feb 23 | Sunday | India vs Pakistan | Group A | 14:30 | Dubai International Stadium |
| Feb 24 | Monday | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Group A | 14:30 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 25 | Tuesday | Australia vs South Africa | Group B | 14:30 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 26 | Wednesday | Afghanistan vs England | Group B | 14:30 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Feb 27 | Thursday | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Group A | 14:30 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 28 | Friday | Australia vs Afghanistan | Group B | 14:30 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Mar 1 | Saturday | England vs South Africa | Group B | 14:30 | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Mar 2 | Sunday | India vs New Zealand | Group A | 14:30 | Dubai International Stadium |
| Mar 4 | Tuesday | Semifinal 1 | Semifinals | 14:30 | Dubai International Stadium |
| Mar 5 | Wednesday | Semifinal 2 | Semifinals | 14:30 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Mar 9 | Sunday | Winner SF1 vs winner SF2 | Final | 14:30 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai International Stadium |
Champions Trophy Venues and Match Time
A total of four venues, Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Dubai International Stadium—are all set to host the Champions Trophy. Since this is the first time the Champions Trophy will be held in a hybrid model, Dubai will host some of the matches.
All the matches will start at 2:30 PM IST, making all games Day/Night clash.
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Established in 1959, Gaddafi Stadium is one of the oldest in the country. Over time, it has undergone some renovations and now features top facilities, including spacious dressing rooms, a world-class media centre, and dedicated hospitality areas. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 27,000. It will host several major league matches of the Champions Trophy, including the final, unless India qualify. In that case, the final will be held in Dubai. For the 2025 Champions Trophy, Gaddafi Stadium will host three group-stage matches: Australia vs England on February 22, England vs Afghanistan on February 26, and Australia vs Afghanistan on February 28.
National Stadium, Karachi
One of the oldest cricket stadiums in Pakistan, the National Stadium has a history of hosting several international matches, including the 1996 quarterfinal, and will once again be part of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan will take on New Zealand on February 19, Afghanistan will face South Africa on February 21, and South Africa will go up against England on March 1. Apart from being one of the oldest, it can accommodate 34,238 spectators, making this stadium iconic.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Among all the venues mentioned above, Rawalpindi is the newest compared to the others. It is always in the news to provide fast surfaces for batting and excellent drainage facilities. Although the seating capacity is not extremely large, it can currently accommodate 17,000 spectators in a lively crowd. However, with renovations underway for the Champions Trophy matches, the seating capacity is likely to increase. Rawalpindi will host the following matches: Bangladesh vs New Zealand on February 24, Australia vs South Africa on February 25, and Pakistan vs Bangladesh on February 27.
Dubai International Stadium
Since the Champions Trophy will be held in a hybrid model, some matches will take place outside Pakistan. Dubai International Stadium will host all matches involving India including the big India vs Pakistan clash on Feb 23. It will also host the Semifinal 1. If India qualify, Dubai will also host the final. Located in Dubai Sports City, the stadium is one of the premier cricket venues in the world. Opened in 2009, Dubai International Stadium is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including modern dressing rooms, media centres, and hospitality areas.
With a seating capacity of around 25,000, the venue has hosted many international matches, including ICC events such as the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup, as well as many high-profile T20 league matches. The stadium has also hosted various other sports events and concerts. As for India’s schedule in the Champions Trophy, all their matches will take place here in Dubai. They will first play against Bangladesh, followed by a high-profile clash against Pakistan on February 23, and then against New Zealand.
