ICC Champions Trophy 2025 proposed schedule unveiled

Champions Trophy final likely to be held in Lahore, with flexibility for neutral venue shifts.

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The proposed schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been unveiled, with Pakistan set to host the international event.

The tournament is scheduled to commence on February 19, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand taking place at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The highly anticipated Pakistan-India encounter is slated for 23 February at a neutral venue. This clash is expected to attract significant global attention, reflecting the historic rivalry between the two teams.

Key highlights of the probable schedule:

• 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, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Knockout stages and final:
According to the proposed plan, one semi-final will be held in Lahore, while the other will take place at a neutral venue. The final is scheduled for 9 March in Lahore. However, if India qualifies, the match will be moved to a neutral venue to address logistical and diplomatic considerations.

Neutral venue policy:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has adopted a neutral venue policy for matches between India and Pakistan during the 2024-2027 rights cycle. This policy extends to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. It will also apply to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, which Pakistan will host.

The ICC is expected to announce the finalised schedule for the event soon.

ICC assures Pak of extra event

The Pakistan Cri1cket Board (PCB) shared key updates during a Governing Board meeting held yesterday in Islamabad, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi. Attendees were briefed on the progress surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, with significant developments highlighted.

According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that agreements with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been finalised, with only documentation pending. The final Champions Trophy schedule is expected to be announced within the next 1-2 days.