Champions Trophy 2025 Warm Up Matches Live Streaming, Telecast Details and Schedule | PAK vs AFG Practice match live

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, cricket fans are gearing up for an exciting set of warm-up matches that will serve as a crucial preparation phase for five competing teams. With the main tournament scheduled to kick off on February 19 in Lahore, these practice games will allow players to fine-tune their strategies and gain valuable match experience before the high-stakes competition begins.

Five Teams to Play Warm-Up Matches, India, Australia, and England Opt-Out

Unlike previous ICC events where all teams typically engage in preparatory matches, the Champions Trophy 2025 will see only five of the eight participating teams—Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, and Bangladesh—taking part in warm-up encounters.

India, Australia, and England will skip the warm-up matches due to their ongoing international commitments. The Indian team is arriving late in Dubai after concluding an ODI series against England, while Australia’s squad will be wrapping up a two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka on February 14. These teams will directly enter the tournament without any pre-competition games.

Pakistan’s Unique Approach: Three Different Shaheens Squads for Warm-Ups

In an interesting move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fielded three separate Pakistan Shaheens squads for the warm-up fixtures, allowing a broader pool of players to gain competitive exposure.

Shadab Khan will captain the squad against Afghanistan on February 14 in Lahore, while Mohammad Hurraira will lead the side against South Africa in Karachi on February 17. On the same day, Mohammad Haris will take charge of the Pakistan Shaheens squad facing Bangladesh in Dubai. This strategic decision by the PCB provides a great opportunity for emerging talents to showcase their skills alongside experienced players.

Full Schedule of Champions Trophy 2025 Warm-Up Matches

Cricket fans can expect four action-packed warm-up matches spread across three venues—Lahore, Karachi, and Dubai—between February 14 and February 17. These matches will be played under lights, with each game starting at 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and 2:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST).

• February 14: Pakistan Shaheens vs Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• February 16: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, National Stadium, Karachi
• February 17: Pakistan Shaheens vs South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
• February 17: Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh, ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai

Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand’s Arrival in Pakistan for the Tri-Series Adds to the Hype

With South Africa and New Zealand already in Pakistan for a pre-Champions Trophy tri-series with the hosts, the anticipation surrounding these warm-up matches has reached new heights. The Afghanistan-New Zealand showdown on February 16 in Karachi promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams eager to test their combinations ahead of the main event.

Live Streaming and Telecast Details of Champions Trophy 2025 Warm-Up Matches

Cricket fans eager to catch the live action of the Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches will have multiple viewing options available.

• Telecast in India: Star Sports Network holds the official broadcasting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025. All warm-up matches will be available for live viewing on Star Sports channels in India.
• Live Streaming in India: Disney+ Hotstar will provide seamless live streaming of the warm-up matches for fans who prefer to watch the games on digital platforms.
• Pakistan Broadcast Details: The Pakistan Shaheens warm-up games are expected to be telecast on local sports channels and digital platforms. Specific details regarding Pakistan’s telecast partners will be confirmed closer to match dates.

Why Warm-Up Matches Matter in a High-Stakes Tournament

Warm-up matches play a crucial role in helping teams assess their form, test out playing combinations, and adapt to local conditions. With the Champions Trophy 2025 set to take place in Pakistan, these games will allow visiting teams like Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, and Bangladesh to get accustomed to the pitches and weather conditions.

For Pakistan, these matches will serve as a platform to evaluate squad depth and provide much-needed game time to fringe players before finalizing their best playing XI for the tournament. The presence of three separate squads under different captains indicates Pakistan’s intent to experiment while ensuring that their key players remain fresh for the main event.

Anticipation Grows as Cricket Fans Await the Main Tournament

With the Champions Trophy 2025 featuring the world’s best teams, the warm-up matches will provide fans with an early glimpse of what to expect in the main competition. Pakistan's decision to field different captains for each warm-up game adds an intriguing storyline, while Afghanistan’s clash with New Zealand is expected to be a closely contested battle.

As the tournament approaches, the excitement in Pakistan and around the cricketing world continues to build. With Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar providing live coverage of these matches, fans won’t miss a moment of the action. Mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling start to the Champions Trophy 2025!