Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule and Most Probable Venues

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is poised to reignite cricketing passions with a schedule that promises intense action among the world’s top cricket teams. Set to be hosted by Pakistan, the tournament has become a focal point of cricket diplomacy due to India’s decision to play its matches at neutral venues under the hybrid model proposed by the ICC. Below is the tentative schedule, incorporating the recent adjustments based on the hybrid hosting arrangement.

Groupings

• Group A Teams:
  Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

• Group B Teams:
  Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Proposed Schedule and Venues

Group Stage Matches

• February 19, 2025
  New Zealand vs. Pakistan
  Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

• February 20, 2025
  Bangladesh vs. India
  Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium (previously Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and subject to ICC resolution)

• February 21, 2025
  Afghanistan vs. South Africa
  Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

• February 22, 2025
  Australia vs. England
  Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• February 23, 2025
  New Zealand vs. India
  Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium (previously Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and subject to ICC resolution)

• February 24, 2025
  Pakistan vs. Bangladesh
  Venue: Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium

• February 25, 2025
  Afghanistan vs. England
  Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• February 26, 2025
  Australia vs. South Africa
  Venue: Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium

• February 27, 2025
  Bangladesh vs. New Zealand
  Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• February 28, 2025
  Afghanistan vs. Australia
  Venue: Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium

• March 1, 2025
  Pakistan vs. India
  Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium (previously Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore andsubject to ICC resolution)

• March 2, 2025
  South Africa vs. England
  Venue: Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium

Knockout Matches

• March 5, 2025
  Semi-Final 1: Winner of Group A vs. Runner-Up of Group B
  Venue: National Stadium, Karachi (or Dubai International Cricket Stadium if India qualifies, subject to ICC resolution))

• March 6, 2025
  Semi-Final 2: Winner of Group B vs. Runner-Up of Group A
  Venue: Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium

• March 9, 2025
  Final: Top Two Teams from Semi-Finals
  Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (or Dubai International Cricket Stadium if India qualifies, subject to ICC resolution))

Key Changes with Hybrid Hosting Model

1. India’s Matches at Neutral Venues:
   India’s refusal to play in Pakistan has led to a hybrid model, with all India’s matches scheduled in Dubai. This includes their group matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

2. Potential Semi-Final Adjustment:
   If India qualifies for the semi-finals, the match will shift from Karachi to Dubai to accommodate their participation.

3. Final Venue Considerations:
   If India reaches the final, the match will also relocate to Dubai, following the hybrid hosting arrangement.

Context of the Hybrid Model

The acceptance of the hybrid model reflects the ICC’s effort to ensure that both India and Pakistan participate in the tournament while maintaining the commercial viability of the event. The hybrid solution is not without its controversies, as the PCB has raised concerns about setting a precedent for future ICC tournaments. However, mutual compromises, including similar adjustments for future tournaments hosted by India, have been proposed to make the arrangement equitable.