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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly distributed a preliminary schedule for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to all relevant parties, including broadcasters and the participating teams.
The tournament is set to be hosted by Pakistan next year, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) holding the hosting rights. However, recent reports suggest that the event might be held across two countries. Given the longstanding political tensions, it’s unlikely that India will travel to Pakistan for the competition, as they have not visited since 2008.
Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted against sending their team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. Consequently, the Asian Cricket Council implemented a hybrid model, with India playing all their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka. There are indications that a similar arrangement could be adopted for the Champions Trophy next year.
India will play their Champions Trophy games in Lahore.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make a final decision on whether Team India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears optimistic that the Indian team will cross borders next year. The ICC has also approved a $65 million budget, which includes expenses for hosting matches outside of Pakistan.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC has circulated a draft schedule for the Champions Trophy to all participating teams, indicating that all of India’s matches are planned to be held in Lahore. This suggests that the ICC is not currently considering making the tournament a two-country event.
In the draft schedule, Team India is placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
The tournament will kick off with New Zealand facing Pakistan on February 19, followed by India’s opening match against Bangladesh on February 20. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for March 1, with India also set to play against New Zealand on February 23.
The semifinals are slated for Karachi on March 5 and Pindi on March 6, with the final scheduled to be held in Lahore on March 9.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draft schedule:
Wednesday, February 19 Match 1 NZ v PAK
Thursday, February 20 Match 2 BAN v IND
Friday, February 21 Match 3 AFG v SA
Saturday, February Match 4 AUS v ENG
Sunday, February 23 Match 5 NZ v IND
Monday, February 24 Match 6 PAK v BAN
Tuesday, February 25 Match 7 AFG v ENG
Wednesday, February 26 Match 8 AUS v SA
Thursday, February 27 Match 9 BAN v NZ
Friday, February 28 Match 10 AFG v AUS
Saturday, March 1 Match 11 PAK v IND
Sunday, March 2 Match 12 SA v ENG
Wednesday, March 5 Semi-final 1 — A1 v B2
Thursday, March 6 Semi-final 2 — B1 v A2
Sunday, March 9, 2025 Final
Monday, March 10, 2025 Reserve Day
