The buzz around the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is real, and it’s only getting louder! Pakistan is all set to host this thrilling tournament, and we now have a sneak peek at the probable schedule.
The action kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Stadium. But the game everyone’s waiting for? The epic Pakistan-India showdown on February 23, which is guaranteed to draw millions of viewers, fueled by one of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
Opening match: Pakistan vs New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi
Pakistan vs India: February 23 at a yet-to-be-announced venue
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: February 27 in Rawalpindi
Australia vs England: February 22 in Lahore
Afghanistan vs England: February 26 in Lahore
Afghanistan vs Australia: February 28 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
When it comes to knockout matches, one semi-final is set for Lahore, with the other at a neutral venue. The final is also planned for Lahore, though if India qualifies, it might be moved to a neutral venue due to diplomatic and logistical considerations.
In a major announcement, the ICC Board confirmed on December 19 that India and Pakistan will play their matches at neutral venues during the 2024-2027 rights cycle, regardless of the host country. This applies not just to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, but also to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
And there’s more good news for Pakistan— they’ve secured hosting rights for the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where the neutral venue policy will also be in play. Big things ahead!