Proposed schedule for Champions Trophy 2025 unveiled

The likely schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been unveiled, with Pakistan confirmed as the host nation.

The tournament will begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi's National Stadium.

A major highlight of the tournament will be the Pakistan-India showdown on February 23, which will take place at a neutral venue due to the long-standing rivalry between the two nations.

Some key details of the proposed schedule include:

• Opening match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, February 19, Karachi
• Pakistan vs India: February 23, neutral venue
• Pakistan vs Bangladesh: February 27, Rawalpindi
• Australia vs England: February 22, Lahore
• Afghanistan vs England: February 26, Lahore
• Afghanistan vs Australia: February 28, Lahore (Gaddafi Stadium)

For the knockout rounds, one semi-final will be held in Lahore, while the other will be at a neutral venue. The final is slated for March 9 in Lahore, but should India qualify, it may be relocated to a neutral venue to address logistical and diplomatic factors.

In accordance with its neutral venue policy, the ICC will continue to stage India-Pakistan matches at neutral sites throughout the 2024-2027 rights cycle, including the Champions Trophy 2025, the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, and other future ICC events.

During a recent meeting in Islamabad, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared key updates on the Champions Trophy with the Board. Sources revealed that the PCB has finalised agreements with both the ICC and BCCI, with only the formal documentation pending. The finalised schedule for the tournament is expected to be made public within the next 1-2 days.