The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the “Mini World Cup,” is one of cricket most prestigious tournaments. In 2025, the tournament will feature the world’s eight best ODI teams, competing to lift the coveted trophy. Hosted by Pakistan for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup, the Champions Trophy will not only showcase elite cricket but also highlight Pakistan’s readiness to host major international events.
Adding to the excitement, all matches involving India, including semi-finals and finals (if they qualify), will be played at the Dubai International Stadium due to diplomatic considerations.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
Group Stage Matches
Group stage matches will be the first portion of the Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule. The eight competing places will be split into two groups of four. There will be six matches per group, with each team playing the other teams in the group once. Each group’s top two teams will move on to the semifinals.
Group A
Teams:
India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Fixtures:
Match 1: New Zealand vs. Pakistan – February 19, Karachi National Stadium
Match 2: India vs Bangladesh – February 20, (Dubai International Stadium
Match3: India vs Pakistan – February 23, Dubai International Stadium
Match 4: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – February 24, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Match 5: New Zealand vs. Bangladesh – February 27, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Match 6: India vs New Zealand – March 2, Dubai International Stadium for India
Group B
Teams:
Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
Fixtures:
Match 1: South Africa vs. Afghanistan – February 21, National Stadium, Karachi
Match 2: England vs. Australia – February 22, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Match 3: Afghanistan vs. England – February 25, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Match 4: Australia vs. South Africa – February 26, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Match 5: Australia vs. Afghanistan – February 28, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Match 6: South Africa vs. England –March 2, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Semi-Finals
The top two teams from each group will play each other in the semi-finals in an attempt to advance to the championship game. The following is the schedule for the matches:
Semi-Final 1:
Group A Winner vs. Group B Runner-up – March 5, National Stadium, Karachi
Semi-Final 2:
Group B Winner vs. Group A Runner-up – March 6, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Dubai International Stadium for India, if qualified)
Final
The two semi-final winners will square off for the Champions Trophy 2025 title in the match’s final at Lahore historic Gaddafi Stadium.
Final:
Semi-Final 1 Winner vs. Semi-Final 2 Winner – March 9, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Dubai International Stadium for India, if qualified)
Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
Eight top teams from all over the world, known for their strong competitiveness and skill in cricket, will compete in the competition. A closer look at the 2025 Champions Trophy teams is provided below:
Pakistan:
The host country will try to take advantage of home advantage and repeat its Champions Trophy triumph from 2017.
India:
A strong force in cricket with a long history in the Champions Trophy, they hope to add yet another championship to their collection.
Australia:
Australia is a consistent challenger because to their aggressive style of play and strategic smart.
England:
The winners of the 2019 World Cup will be keen to win the Champions Trophy for the first time.
South Africa:
South Africa, who is frequently called the “chokers,” will try to get rid of this nickname and win the trophy.
New Zealand:
The Kiwis, who are known for their fair play and consistency, should be formidable opponents.
Sri Lanka:
The island nation wants to relive the glories of its World Cup victory in 1996.
Bangladesh:
The Tigers want to leave a big impression on the competition because to their fervent fan base.
Venues
There are three main locations in Pakistan where the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held, each with its distinct beauty and history:
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:
It is one of Pakistan most recognizable cricket venues, holding 27,000 seats.
National Stadium, Karachi:
This facility, which has an exciting atmosphere to match, can hold up to 34,000 spectators.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:
This ancient field can hold 15,000 spectators and has hosted numerous memorable games.
Key Matches to Watch
India vs. Pakistan
Without the much awaited India vs. Pakistan match, no cricket tournament is complete. This match, which is slated for the group stages, is anticipated to attract a large audience and be an intense match.
Australia vs. England
Australia and England’s intense rivalry will be on full show as both teams want to establish their supremacy and win a vital match.
Semi-Finals and Final
The tournament peaks in the knockout stages, when the top teams compete for a berth in the championship. Anticipate exhilarating cricket matches, suspenseful finales, and remarkable experiences.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a grand spectacle of cricket, featuring elite teams, high-octane matches, and unforgettable moments. Pakistan’s hosting of the tournament highlights its cricketing passion and resilience, while the India-Pakistan matches in Dubai add an extra layer of intrigue. Cricket fans worldwide can look forward to an exhilarating celebration of the sport.
