Dumsha Wijesinghe, Jadetimes Staff
W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the fixtures for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. The tournament will see eight teams compete for the coveted 50 over title.
In Group A, defending champions Pakistan have been drawn alongside arch rivals India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B will feature England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The tournament opener is scheduled for February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. India will begin their campaign the following day against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Highlighting the marquee clash, India and Pakistan are set to meet on February 23 in Dubai. Due to ongoing political tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has designated Dubai as a neutral venue for India’s group stage matches and the first semi final, which is set for March 4. Should India reach the final, originally slated for Lahore on March 9, the title decider will also be relocated to Dubai.
England will kick off their campaign against Australia in Lahore on February 22, followed by matches against Afghanistan on February 26 and South Africa on March 1.
This edition of the Champions Trophy marks the first global cricket tournament hosted in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. Additionally, Pakistan is set to host the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 under a similar neutral venue arrangement.
Notably, the arrangement between the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the PCB stipulates that Pakistan will play at neutral venues for events hosted by India until 2027.
India and Pakistan’s cricket rivalry remains confined to ICC tournaments, with their last bilateral series taking place in 2013. India last toured Pakistan in 2008.
Group Stage Teams:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: England, Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan
Key Fixtures:
February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
February 20: India vs. Bangladesh, Dubai
February 22: Australia vs. England, Lahore
February 23: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai
March 4: Semi final 1, Dubai
March 5: Semi final 2, Lahore
March 9: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)
Both semi finals and the final will have reserve days, ensuring the smooth conclusion of the tournament.
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