The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, marking the tournament's return after its last edition in 2017. Co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this prestigious One-Day International (ODI) event will feature the top eight cricketing nations competing against each other.
ICC Champions Trophy Venues and Format:
Matches will be held across three venues in Pakistan and one venue in the UAE. In Pakistan, games will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The UAE will host matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The Champions Trophy 2025 follows a straightforward format, with each team playing every other team in its group once in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, leading to the final showdown.
The Champions Trophy 2025 follows a straightforward format, with each team playing every other team in its group once in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, leading to the final showdown.
Tournamnet Teams and Groups:
Tournament comprises eight teams divided into two groups, listed as follows:
Group A:
Pakistan (Hosts and defending champions)
India
Bangladesh
New Zealand
Group B:
Australia
Afghanistan
England
South Africa
ICC Champions Trophy Schedule:
The tournament begins from February 19, 2025, with Pakistan vs. New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Team India matches start from February 20 with India vs. Bangladesh in Dubai, followed by India vs. Pakistan on February 23, and India vs. New Zealand on March 2, all in Dubai.
India vs Pakistan : The big clash
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has seen some intense battles over the years, and the ICC Champions Trophy has been no exception. The two teams have clashed five times in the tournament's history, with Pakistan holding a narrow 3-2 edge over India.
Their first encounter came in 2004, where India struggled to 200 all out despite late contributions from Rahul Dravid (67) and Ajit Agarkar (47). Pakistan, powered by Mohammad Yousuf’s unbeaten 81, chased the target in 49.2 overs. In 2009, Shoaib Malik’s brilliant 128 helped Pakistan post 302/9, and despite Dravid’s 76, India fell short by 54 runs.
India hit back in 2013, restricting Pakistan to 165 before rain shortened the chase. Shikhar Dhawan (48) and Virat Kohli (22)* guided India to an eight-wicket victory, paving the way for their eventual title win. Four years later, in 2017, India dominated their group-stage match, posting 319/3, thanks to *Rohit Sharma (91), Dhawan (68), and Virat Kohli (81)**. Pakistan crumbled for 164, giving India a commanding win by 124 runs (DLS method).
However, the grand finale that year belonged to Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman stunning 114 propelled them to a mammoth 338/4, and India's chase collapsed under pressure, getting bowled out for 158, despite a lone fight from Hardik Pandya (76). Pakistan secured a famous 180-run victory, lifting their maiden Champions Trophy title.
Champions Trophy 2025: Knock-out fixtures
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5, with the first semi-final taking place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. If India qualifies, they will compete in this match. The second semi-final will be hosted at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and if Pakistan advances, they will feature in this contest. The tournament will culminate with the final match, determining the new Champions Trophy winner for 2025.
Follow for cricket live score, Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table, team standings, and stats of top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on Crickit. Along with IPL 2025 Schedule, expert analysis, insights, and match previews.