The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced Dubai as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The official schedule of the tournament was released on Tuesday.
Pakistan Hosts Champions Trophy Amid Political Tensions
Pakistan is the official host of this prestigious event. However, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations. Following advice from the Indian government, the BCCI decided not to send the team to Pakistan for the tournament.
Tournament Schedule
The Champions Trophy will kick off on February 19 with a Group A match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. India’s journey begins a day later, on February 20, with a match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. The much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 23, also in Dubai.
Rohit Sharma’s side will play their final group match against New Zealand in Dubai on March 2.
Key Matches in Dubai
- Semifinals and Final: Dubai will host the first semifinal on March 4 and the final on March 9, provided India qualifies.
- If India doesn’t qualify, Lahore will host the second semifinal and the final.
Matches Across Pakistan
Rawalpindi will host three group-stage matches. Group A includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B features Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
Defending Champions
Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having won the last Champions Trophy in 2017.
