(AFP/X Photo)
India is scheduled to kick off their group-stage matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh, as reported by The Telegraph. The tournament is slated to commence on February 19, 2025, marking Pakistan’s return as hosts for the first time since 1996. Group A, which includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, will see these teams competing, while Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
A highly anticipated showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is set for March 1 at Lahore, marking India’s first cricketing visit to Pakistan since 2008.
India’s involvement in the tournament hinges on government approval, and its absence could lead to significant financial losses. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to finalize their decision regarding participation.
During last year’s Asia Cup, originally slated for Pakistan, India’s government denied clearance, prompting a split arrangement where India’s matches and the knockout stage were held in Sri Lanka.
According to reports, if India opts out of CT 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may explore UAE as an alternative venue. The PCB’s schedule draft places all of India’s matches in Lahore during the group stage, aiming to streamline logistics and possibly attract Indian supporters to the games.
Presently, the Indian team is engaged in a 5-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. With key players from the T20 World Cup 2024 taking a break, India has appointed Shubman Gill as captain, leading a rejuvenated squad of younger players.
Schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025:
– Feb 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Karachi
– Feb 20: Bangladesh vs India – Lahore
– Feb 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
– Feb 22: Australia vs England – Lahore
– Feb 23: New Zealand vs India – Lahore
– Feb 24: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
– Feb 25: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
– Feb 26: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
– Feb 27: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Lahore
– Feb 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Rawalpindi
– March 1: Pakistan vs India – Lahore
– March 2: South Africa vs England – Rawalpindi
– March 5: Semi-Final: TBC vs TBC – Karachi
– March 6: Semi-Final: TBC vs TBC – Rawalpindi
– March 9: Final: TBC vs TBC – Lahore
