Pakistan are defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy. Photo: File Pakistan are defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy. Photo: File

The excitement around the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is reaching new heights as the prestigious event is set to return to the cricketing calendar after an eight-year hiatus.

The tournament, which will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, promises to deliver world-class action over a 19-day period. For the first time since 1996, Pakistan will host a global cricket tournament, with the UAE acting as a neutral venue for India matches.

Akhimullah Anuar scored Malaysia's lone goal in the 34th minute. The victory gave India the lead in the standings with nine points from three successive wins.

Known as 'The Wall' for his impeccable skills in front of the goalpost, Sreejesh was instrumental in guiding the team through remarkable successes, including two Asian Games gold medals, and two Champions Trophy silver medals.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will bring together eight of the best teams, divided into two groups of four. Group A will feature Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan, while Group B will see Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa battle it out.

The tournament's fast-paced format guarantees that every match will be crucial in the race for the coveted Champions Trophy white jackets.

Pakistan's three iconic stadiums – Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi – will host the majority of the matches in the country, with Dubai offering its facilities to the UAE-based fixtures.

The competition kicks off in Karachi on February 19, with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in an eagerly anticipated opener. The following day, the subcontinental rivalry between Bangladesh and India will take place in Dubai, and by February 21, Karachi will witness Afghanistan taking on South Africa.

One of the most awaited clashes will be the encounter between arch-rivals Australia and England in Lahore on February 22, adding to the already palpable tension as the tournament builds momentum. Pakistan’s high-stakes match against India follows closely on February 23 in Dubai, promising to be one of the most intense fixtures in the competition.

As the competition advances, the pressure to qualify for the knockout stages intensifies. The two semi-finals will take place on March 4 and 5, with Dubai and Lahore hosting the games, respectively. If India qualify for the semis, Men In Blue will play their knock-out match in Dubai on 4 March.

For the first time in Champions Trophy history, both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days in case of inclement weather, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted finish. The final match, scheduled for March 9, will be held in Lahore, though in the event of India’s qualification, the final will move to Dubai as India have already refused to travel to Pakistan.

Historically, the ICC Champions Trophy has been dominated by two teams: Australia and India. Both sides have claimed the title twice, with Australia being the only nation to win back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009. India, on the other hand, won the event in 2002 and 2013, sharing the 2002 title with Sri Lanka after rain ruined the final. Other notable past winners include South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and Pakistan, with Pakistan being the defending champion after their 2017 triumph in England.

Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand

Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 - Full Schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

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28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai - (Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify)

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify)

9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 - Live Streaming Details

Where to watch the live streaming and TV telecast of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches?

All matches of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be available for live telecast on the Star Sports network in India. The live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hostar App and website in India.22win