The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the schedule for the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025, marking a key moment for world cricket. The tournament is scheduled to be played in a hybrid format and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed pride and optimism over Pakistan’s role as the host nation. This will be a historic moment for Pakistan as the last time a major ICC event was hosted during the 1996 World Cup. The eight-team Champions Trophy 2025 will begin with the opening match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
The event will culminate in the final on March 9, which will be held in Lahore unless India qualifies, in which case it will be moved to Dubai.
“We are pleased that we have reached an agreement based on the principles of equality and respect, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” said Naqvi, highlighting the importance of this milestone for Pakistan cricket. did.
He further expressed his gratitude to the ICC for allowing Pakistan to jointly host the tournament with Dubai. “Hosting the Champions Trophy is an important milestone for Pakistan and underlines our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and demonstrating our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are thrilled to welcome the world to the event and look forward to extending the event to offer our famous hospitality to everyone,” he added.
This hybrid format will see the majority of matches hosted by Pakistan, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi. Each venue will host three group stage matches. Dubai will host all of India’s matches, including the opener against Bangladesh on February 20 and the much-awaited match against Pakistan on February 23.
ICC President Jay Shah also expressed his thoughts to X about the upcoming tournament.
“Very excited for the @ICC Men’s Champions Trophy starting in February,” read X’s post.
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with preliminary dates allocated for both the semi-final and final.
If India qualifies for the final, they will also travel to Dubai. Otherwise, Lahore will host the championship match.
Preliminary days are scheduled for both the semi-finals and finals. The Dubai leg begins on February 20 with India and Bangladesh playing against each other. The Group B campaign begins on February 21 with Afghanistan taking on South Africa in Karachi.
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