ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Teams, Venues, and Everything You Need to Know
"Cricket’s Elite Returns! Pakistan and UAE Gear Up for a Historic Tournament"
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to reignite the cricketing world from February 19 to March 9, co-hosted by "Pakistan and the UAE". This ninth edition of the ODI tournament marks Pakistan’s first time hosting a major ICC event since 1996, with India’s matches relocated to Dubai due to political tensions. Eight top-ranked teams will battle for glory, including debutants Afghanistan and defending champions Pakistan. Here’s your ultimate guide to the tournament!
Historic Hosting: Pakistan’s Comeback & India-UAE Connection
For the first time in 29 years, Pakistan will host a marquee ICC event, with matches in **Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi**. However, due to geopolitical tensions, **India’s matches will exclusively take place in Dubai**, UAE. This hybrid model ensures thrilling contests while prioritizing security and diplomacy.
Key Venues
- "Pakistan" National Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
- "UAE" Dubai International Cricket Stadium (India’s matches + knockouts if India qualifies).
"Qualified Teams: New Faces and Shocking Absences"
The top 8 teams from the "2023 ODI World Cup" group stage qualified, with notable changes:
- "In:" Afghanistan (maiden Champions Trophy appearance).
- "Out:" Sri Lanka (first-ever miss since the tournament’s inception).
"Group Breakdown"
| **Group A** | **Group B** |
|-------------------|---------------------|
| India | Australia |
| Pakistan | England |
| New Zealand | South Africa |
| Bangladesh | Afghanistan |
"ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Match Schedule"
All times in IST (Indian Standard Time).
"Group Stage Fixtures"
"Group A Matches"
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|----------------|-------------------------|
| Feb 19, 2025 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 20, 2025 | India vs Bangladesh | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 23, 2025 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 24, 2025 | Bangladesh vs NZ | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 27, 2025| Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| Mar 2, 2025 | India vs New Zealand | Dubai | 2:30 PM |
"Group B Matches"
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|----------------|-------------------------|
| Feb 21, 2025 | Afghanistan vs SA | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 22, 2025 | Australia vs England | Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 25, 2025 | Australia vs SA | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 26, 2025 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore | 2:30 PM |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Afghanistan vs Australia| Karachi | 2:30 PM |
| Mar 1, 2025 | England vs SA | Rawalpindi | 2:30 PM |
"Knockouts: Semifinals and Final"
| Stage | Date | Match |Venue |
|-----------------|----------------|
| Semifinal 1 | Mar 4, 2025 |
Group A Winner vs Group B
Runner-up | Dubai |
| Semifinal 2 | Mar 5, 2025 |
Group B Winner vs Group A
Runner-up | Lahore |
| Final | Mar 9, 2025 | Winner
SF1 vs Winner SF2 | Lahore |
"If India reaches the final, it will be held in "Dubai".
"India’s Squad: Key Changes and Players to Watch"
*Captain:- Rohit Sharma |
*Vice-Captain:- Shubman Gill
*Injury Update:- Jasprit Bumrah ruled out (back injury); replaced by Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana.
"15-Member Squad:-"
- "Batters:-" Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Reserve).
- "All-Rounders:-" Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar.
- "Bowlers:-" Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana.
- "Wicketkeepers:-" Rishabh Pant.
X-Factor Players:-
- "Rishabh Pant:- "Returning after a long injury hiatus.
- "Kuldeep Yadav:-" Spin wizard on UAE’s turning tracks.
"*How to Watch: Live Streaming and Broadcast*"
- "India:-" Star Sports Network (TV) + Disney+ Hotstar (streaming).
- "Pakistan:-" PTV Sports, Ten Sports.
- "UK:-" Sky Sports.
- "Australia:-" Amazon Prime Video.
- "South Africa:-" SuperSport.
"*5 Must-Watch Matches in ICC Champions Trophy 2025*"
1. "India vs Pakistan (Feb 23, Dubai):-" Cricket’s biggest rivalry returns!
2. "Australia vs England (Feb 22, Karachi):-" Ashes rivals clash in ODIs.
3. "Afghanistan vs Australia (Feb 28, Karachi):-" Rashid Khan vs Warner!
4. "Semifinal 1 (Mar 4, Dubai):-" High-stakes knockout.
5. "Final (Mar 9, Lahore/Dubai):-" The ultimate showdown!
"*Why This Tournament Matters*"
- "Pakistan’s Redemption:-" A chance to rebuild trust as a host nation.
- "Afghanistan’s Debut:-" Can Rashid Khan’s squad spring a surprise?
- "India’s Legacy:-" Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli eye their last Champions Trophy.
"*Bookmark This Guide!*"
Stay updated with scores, analysis, and highlights as cricket’s finest battle for the Champions Trophy 2025. Share this blog with fellow fans and gear up for a month of unforgettable cricket!
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