Dubai gears up for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full match lineup
The Dubai International Stadium, also known as the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, will host India’s matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 under a hybrid model agreed upon due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The stadium, with a seating capacity of 25,000 (expandable to 30,000), has previously hosted major ICC events, including the semi-final and final of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Known for its distinctive "Ring of Fire" floodlights, the venue is set to play a key role in the upcoming tournament.
While Pakistan is the official host of the Champions Trophy, India has refused to travel to Pakistan, leading to the PCB's decision to adopt a hybrid model.
As part of the arrangement, India’s matches will take place in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will be held across Pakistan in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
The National Stadium in Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore are undergoing major renovations to be ready for the tournament, with their preparedness currently being tested in a tri-series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Pakistan vs India set for February 23 in Dubai
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, the India-Pakistan clash, is scheduled for February 23 at Dubai International Stadium.
Unlike India’s dominant 15-1 record in World Cup matches, the Champions Trophy rivalry has been more competitive, with Pakistan leading 3-2 in head-to-head encounters.
Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures at Dubai International Stadium
- February 20 – Bangladesh vs India (Group A) – 2:00 PM (PST)
- February 23 – Pakistan vs India (Group A) – 2:00 PM (PST)
- March 2 – New Zealand vs India (Group A) – 2:00 PM (PST)
- March 4 – Semi-Final 1 (A1 vs B2) – 2:00 PM (PST)
Under the agreement reached between the ICC and both cricket boards, this hybrid model will apply until 2027, with Pakistan's matches in ICC tournaments hosted in India also set to be played at neutral venues.