The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated cricket tournaments of the year, marking its return after an eight-year hiatus. Scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the tournament will be hosted jointly by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This prestigious event will feature the top eight cricket teams in the world, competing in a high-stakes One Day International (ODI) format.
Cricket fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting this tournament, which promises thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including the schedule, participating teams, venues, key matches, and broadcast details.
Tournament Format and Teams
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will follow a round-robin and knockout format. The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against every other team in its group once, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Participating Teams and Groups
The eight teams competing in the tournament are:
Group A:
- Pakistan (Host Nation)
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Each match will be a 50-over ODI game, adhering to standard ICC rules.
Full Match Schedule of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The tournament will kick off on February 19, 2025, and conclude with the final on March 9, 2025. Below is the complete match schedule, including dates, times, teams, and venues.
Group Stage Matches
| Match No. | Date | Day | Time (PST) | Teams | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 19, 2025 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Pakistan vs New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 2 | Feb 20, 2025 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | Bangladesh vs India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| 3 | Feb 21, 2025 | Friday | 2:00 PM | Afghanistan vs South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 4 | Feb 22, 2025 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | Australia vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 5 | Feb 23, 2025 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | Pakistan vs India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| 6 | Feb 24, 2025 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 7 | Feb 25, 2025 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 8 | Feb 26, 2025 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Afghanistan vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 9 | Feb 27, 2025 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 10 | Feb 28, 2025 | Friday | 2:00 PM | Afghanistan vs Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 11 | Mar 1, 2025 | Saturday | 2:00 PM | South Africa vs England | National Stadium, Karachi |
| 12 | Mar 2, 2025 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | New Zealand vs India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Knockout Stage
| Stage | Date | Day | Time (PST) | Teams (TBC) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | Mar 4, 2025 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | A1 vs B2 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Semi-Final 2 | Mar 5, 2025 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | B1 vs A2 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Final | Mar 9, 2025 | Sunday | 2:00 PM | TBC | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore* |
Note: If India qualifies for the final, the match will be held in Dubai instead of Lahore.
Venues and Stadiums
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across four major cricket stadiums in Pakistan and the UAE. Here’s a detailed look at each venue:
1. National Stadium, Karachi
- Capacity: 34,000
- Matches Hosted: Opening match, group stage games
- Key Features: Known for its electric atmosphere, the National Stadium in Karachi is one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricket grounds.
2. Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Capacity: 27,000
- Matches Hosted: Group stage, semi-final, and final (if India doesn’t qualify)
- Key Features: The Gaddafi Stadium is a historic venue with a rich cricketing legacy.
3. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Capacity: 15,000
- Matches Hosted: Group-stage games
- Key Features: A smaller but vibrant venue, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers an intimate viewing experience.
4. Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Capacity: 25,000
- Matches Hosted: India’s matches, semi-final, and final (if India qualifies)
- Key Features: Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a favorite among players and fans alike.
Key Matches to Watch Out For
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature several high-profile matches that are sure to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Here are some of the most anticipated clashes:
1. Pakistan vs India – February 23, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Why Watch? The Pakistan vs India rivalry is one of the most intense in cricket history. This match is expected to draw millions of viewers and promises to be a nail-biting encounter.
2. Australia vs England – February 22, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Why Watch? The Ashes rivals will face off in a high-stakes ODI match, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
3. Semi-Finals – March 4 & 5, 2025
- Venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Why Watch? The semi-finals will determine which two teams advance to the final, making these matches crucial and highly competitive.
4. Final – March 9, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)
- Why Watch? The grand finale will crown the champion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, providing a fitting conclusion to the tournament.
Where to Watch? Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Cricket fans worldwide can catch all the action of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 through the following broadcasters:
- Pakistan: ARY SPORTS TV, PTV Sports, Ten Sports
- India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
- UK: Sky Sports
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
- Australia: Fox Sports
- South Africa: SuperSport
For fans who prefer online streaming, platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Willow TV, and Sky Go will provide live coverage of the matches.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the world of cricket, bringing together the best teams for a thrilling competition. With matches spread across Pakistan and the UAE, fans can look forward to a diverse and exciting tournament.
From the high-octane Pakistan vs India clash to the intense knockout stages, every match promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether you’re watching from the stadium or from home, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to witness cricketing excellence at its finest!