The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling cricketing event, bringing together the best cricketing nations to compete for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport. This year’s tournament will be particularly special as it marks the return of this competition after an eight-year hiatus, with the last edition being held in 2017. Let’s dive into the key details surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule, including the dates, venue, host country, teams, and format.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Venue and Dates
The matches will be held at three iconic venues: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, National Stadium, Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. These venues have hosted numerous international matches, and they are well-equipped to host an event of this magnitude.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with a reserve day for the final on March 10. The group stage matches will span from February 19 to March 2, with the knockout stage beginning on March 5.
Some highly anticipated matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule include:
February 19, 2025: New Zealand vs. Pakistan – Karachi (Opening match).
February 20, 2025: Bangladesh vs. India – Lahore.
March 1, 2025: Pakistan vs. India – Lahore (A key clash between arch-rivals).
Knockout Stage and Final
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for March 5 and 6, 2025. The semi-final winners will then compete in the final, set for March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. If needed, organizers have designated March 10 as a reserve day, ensuring a fair conclusion to the tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Table
| Date | Match | Venue |
| February 19 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Karachi |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Lahore |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore |
| February 23 | New Zealand vs India | Lahore |
| February 24 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| February 25 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore |
| February 26 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| February 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Rawalpindi |
| March 1 | Pakistan vs India | Lahore |
| March 2 | South Africa vs England | Rawalpindi |
| March 5 | 1st Semi-final – TBC vs TBC | Karachi |
| March 6 | 2nd Semi-final – TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi |
| March 9 | Champions Trophy 2025 Final | Lahore |
Host Country
Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is a major milestone for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it signifies the return of a global cricket tournament to Pakistan after years of international isolation due to security concerns.
Updates
A five-member ICC team began inspecting Pakistan on September 18, 2024. They are evaluating key venues like Karachi’s National Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The PCB has suggested India play in Lahore, though neutral venues are also an option due to political tensions. The ICC’s security manager will meet local authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Format
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be the ninth edition of the tournament, following a similar format to the 2017 event. Eight teams will qualify based on their rankings from the 2023 Cricket World Cup group stage.
Pakistan will host the tournament in February and March 2025. Organizers will host matches at several venues, including Islamabad’s new “high-tech” cricket stadium, enhancing the tournament’s appeal. Organizers will divide the eight teams into two groups of four, ensuring a balanced and competitive tournament.
In the group stage, each team will play the others in a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The semi-final winners will face off in the grand final.
This format ensures intense competition, as every match will affect progression to the knockout rounds. These details are subject to change as the event approaches.
Sarah Edgar (C), Senior Manager for event operations at International Cricket Council (ICC) and manager Aun Zaidi (2L) along with Usman Wahla (2R), Director of International cricket at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), review preparations for the ‘Champions Trophy 2025’ at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on March 27, 2024, Pakistan is due to host the eight-nation Champions Trophy in February 2025. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)
Teams Qualified for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
The ICC has selected eight teams for the Champions Trophy 2025, based on their performances in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. These teams have earned their spot through consistent displays of skill and strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that have qualified:
1. Pakistan (Host)
As the host nation, Pakistan automatically qualifies for the Champions Trophy. The country has a rich cricketing history and will have the advantage of playing on home soil. Their strong performances in recent years make them one of the favorites.
2. India
India, a powerhouse in world cricket, qualified based on their ranking in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. They bring a strong lineup of experienced players and young talents. Political tensions may affect where they play, but their participation will be crucial to the tournament’s excitement.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand consistently performs well in international tournaments. Known for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit, they will be a tough contender. The Kiwis always bring their A-game to ICC tournaments, and the 2025 edition should be no exception.
4. Australia
Australia, a historically dominant force in cricket, also qualified through their strong showing in the 2023 World Cup. With their aggressive playing style and skilled roster, they will be aiming for another ICC trophy to add to their collection.
5. England
As the reigning champions of both ODI and T20 formats, England secured their spot through excellent World Cup performance. Their innovative strategies and all-around team strength will make them a serious contender in 2025.
6. South Africa
South Africa’s qualification for the Champions Trophy continues their tradition of competing in elite ICC tournaments. Known for their balanced squad and aggressive bowling attack, they are expected to be a force to reckon with.
7. Bangladesh
Bangladesh has emerged as a competitive team in recent years, and their consistent performances earned them a spot in the tournament. They have shown resilience and determination in ICC events, making them a team to watch out for.
8. Afghanistan
Afghanistan continues its rise in international cricket with a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Their exciting spin attack and growing pool of talented players will make them a wildcard in the competition.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Groups
In The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Each team plays every other team in their group once, making every match critical to advancing in the competition.
Here’s a closer look at the two groups for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:
Group A: Powerhouses and Arch-Rivals
Group A promises to be a group full of high-stakes matches. This group features a mix of top-ranked teams and traditional rivals, ensuring excitement from the first ball.
| Position | Team |
| 1 | Pakistan |
| 2 | India |
| 3 | New Zealand |
| 4 | Bangladesh |
Group B: The Battle of Titans
Group B includes some of the top cricketing nations, making it equally competitive. The teams in this group are expected to fiercely fight for every match.
| Position | Team |
| 1 | Australia |
| 2 | England |
| 3 | South Africa |
| 4 | Afghanistan |
