ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Proposed Schedule Unveiled
The proposed schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been revealed, with Pakistan set to host the prestigious international cricket event. The tournament will kick off on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Key Matches and Highlights
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, February 19, Karachi.
- Pakistan vs. India: February 23 at a neutral venue. This highly anticipated clash is expected to draw global attention, given the historic rivalry between the two teams.
- Pakistan vs. Bangladesh: February 27, Rawalpindi.
- Australia vs. England: February 22, Lahore.
- Afghanistan vs. England: February 26, Lahore.
- Afghanistan vs. Australia: February 28, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Knockout Stages and Final
- One semi-final will take place in Lahore, while the other is planned for a neutral venue.
- The final is scheduled for March 9 in Lahore. However, if India qualifies for the final, the match will be moved to a neutral venue due to diplomatic and logistical considerations.
Neutral Venue Policy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a neutral venue policy for India-Pakistan matches during the 2024-2027 rights cycle. This includes the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (India), ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India and Sri Lanka), and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 (Pakistan).
PCB Updates
During a recent Governing Board meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad, officials shared updates on the progress of the Champions Trophy. Agreements with the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have reportedly been finalized, with only documentation pending.
The ICC is expected to announce the finalized schedule for the event in the coming days.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises thrilling cricketing action, with the Pakistan-India match and the knockout stages likely to be the centerpiece of the tournament.
