Dubai, December 21, 2024: The tentative schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been revealed, with Pakistan set to host the much-anticipated tournament.
The event is scheduled to kick off on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium, Karachi. The much-awaited Pakistan-India clash is slated for February 23, a match expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants.
Probable schedule highlights
| Date | Match | Venue |
| February 19 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| February 23 | Pakistan vs India | TBD (Neutral Venue Possible) |
| February 26 | Afghanistan vs England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| February 27 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Venues for knockout matches
- Semi-finals:
- One semi-final will be hosted in Lahore.
- The other semi-final will be held at a neutral venue.
- Final:
- Planned for Lahore.
- If India qualifies, the final will also move to a neutral venue to accommodate logistical and diplomatic sensitivities.
Neutral venue policy
On December 19, the ICC Board confirmed that India and Pakistan matches in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be held at neutral venues, regardless of the hosting country.
This policy applies to ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan), ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (India), ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka). Additionally, the PCB has secured hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where the neutral venue arrangement will also be implemented.
