The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most thrilling cricket tournaments, featuring the top eight teams from the ICC rankings. This prestigious event will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, hosted in Pakistan across three major cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Here’s a comprehensive overview of ICC champions trophy schedule for 2025 and what cricket fans can look forward to.
ICC Champions Trophy Schedule 2025
Key Dates and Matches
- Warm-up Matches: February 12–18, 2025
- Tournament Start: February 19, 2025
- Semi-finals:
- March 5, 2025 (Karachi)
- March 6, 2025 (Rawalpindi)
- Final: March 9, 2025 (Lahore, with a reserve day on March 10)
The opening match will see New Zealand vs. Pakistan in Karachi. A marquee clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled for March 1 in Lahore, promising to be a highlight of the group stage.
Participating Teams and Groups
The tournament features the top eight teams from the ICC 2023 Cricket World Cup, divided into two groups:
Group A:
- Pakistan
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Venues and Highlights
- Karachi: Hosts the tournament opener and the first semi-final.
- Lahore: Will host key group matches, the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan game, and the grand finale.
- Rawalpindi: Stages exciting group games and the second semi-final.
Each match venue offers a unique atmosphere, adding to the tournament’s excitement. The final in Lahore will crown the ultimate champion in front of a passionate crowd.
Related: Pakistan India Champions Trophy 2025 Clash
Tournament Structure
The Champions Trophy follows a round-robin format within each group. Teams earn points for wins and ties, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The net run rate (NRR) will break ties in the standings.
- Win: 2 points
- Tie/No Result: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Special Awards
The tournament will feature traditional accolades such as the Golden Bat (highest run-scorer), Golden Ball (best bowler), and White Coat for exemplary performances.
Related: Will India Participate in Champions Trophy 2025?
Controversies and Challenges
A major talking point is the participation of India, given political tensions with Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns over security, leading to discussions about adopting a hybrid model where India’s matches could be played at neutral venues. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains confident that all matches will occur in Pakistan
