ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is set to face its long-time rival India in a highly anticipated group match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Dubai on February 23. This announcement comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the tournament’s schedule following a delay of over a month, due largely to India’s security concerns that led to its refusal to tour Pakistan.
As the host country, Pakistan will manage at least 10 matches in cities such as Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. India will compete in three Group A encounters against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, all taking place in Dubai. Should India reach the semifinals and final, those matches will also occur in Dubai, aligning with the tournament’s broader logistics.
Jay Shah, chairman of the ICC, expressed excitement over the schedule’s release, noting that this will mark the tournament’s notable return since 2017. He emphasized that the competition, featuring eight teams, will deliver a thrilling experience for cricket fans with a total of 15 matches. The tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, presenting an opportunity to highlight cricket’s rich heritage alongside modern developments, particularly as Dubai serves as the base for the ICC headquarters.
In addition, Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa are scheduled to play all their Group B matches in Pakistan. For Pakistan, this tournament represents its first hosting of a global cricket event since the 1996 tournament. Following extended discussions among ICC Board members, it was also determined that Pakistan would not compete in India during the 2024-27 cycle, as a reciprocal action to India’s decision not to travel for the Champions Trophy.
Consequently, for the 2025 women’s World Cup hosted by India and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted with Sri Lanka, Pakistan will play these matches at neutral venues. To offset this arrangement, the ICC has decided to award Pakistan the 2028 women’s T20 World Cup as compensation for not hosting India at the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed gratitude to ICC members for facilitating this agreement, stating it exemplifies equality and respect within cricket. He also remarked that hosting the Champions Trophy is a critical achievement for Pakistan, underscoring the country’s dedication to elevating cricket standards and showcasing its organizational capabilities. Naqvi reassured fans, players, and officials that the tournament would be a memorable affair.
The tournament will kick off in Karachi on February 19, with Pakistan going head-to-head against New Zealand. Given ongoing political tensions, teams have not toured each other since 2012, although they do compete in ICC events—Pakistan last played in India during the men’s World Cup last year. Conversely, prior to that, India opted out of traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, choosing to play all group matches in Sri Lanka instead.
In preparation for the tournament, the PCB has invested a significant amount in upgrading stadium infrastructure in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with completion anticipated by mid-January.
### Schedule:
– Feb 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi
– Feb 20: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
– Feb 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
– Feb 22: Australia vs. England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
– Feb 23: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
– Feb 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
– Feb 25: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
– Feb 26: Afghanistan vs. England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
– Feb 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
– Feb 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
– Mar 1: South Africa vs. England, National Stadium, Karachi
– Mar 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
– Mar 4: Semifinal 1: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (if India qualifies)
– Mar 5: Semifinal 2: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (if Pakistan qualifies)
– Mar 9: Final: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (if India qualifies, the match will take place in Dubai).
