Dubai (Web Desk): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19 in Karachi, Pakistan, with an exciting, new "fusion formula" format.
While Pakistan takes the role of host nation, a twist has been added—Dubai will also play host to key matches, particularly those involving India, after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send its team to Pakistan. If India makes it to the final, that match will be played in Dubai instead of Lahore.
Tournament Overview:
Dates: February 19 to March 9, 2025
Venues: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi (Pakistan) and Dubai (UAE)
Format: 15 matches, with each venue hosting a set of group games. The semi-finals and final will have reserve days to ensure no match is impacted by weather.
Host: Pakistan, with Dubai included for matches involving India.
Group Stages:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, England
Tournament Highlights:
The eight competing teams are those who finished in the top eight of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. The group matches will feature some of the most intense matchups, such as the highly anticipated Pakistan-India showdown and the England-Australia rivalry.
The opening game on February 19 will see Pakistan face New Zealand in Karachi. The Dubai leg of the tournament will commence on February 20, with India taking on Bangladesh. Over the next two weeks, the competition heats up with thrilling clashes across the two nations, culminating in the semi-finals and final.
Key Dates and Fixtures:
19 February: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
20 February: Bangladesh 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 (unless India qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai)
10 March: Reserve Day
As the tournament progresses, each team will battle for a chance to win the coveted white jacket and secure their place in history.
