ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Details, Schedule, Venues, Key Matches, and the Top Players to Watch

The Champions Trophy returns after a big 8-year gap since 2017. The tournament features 8 teams. It will be covered in February and March. The cup will take place in Pakistan mainly with Indian matches scheduled to be played in Dubai.

Here are all the details you need to know about the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Tournament Schedule

The Champions Trophy will be from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The tournament follows the old running format. It will consist of two groups with four teams in each. Two teams will get promoted from both groups. The winner will ultimately be decided in the final on March 9, 2025.

Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Each individual team gets three matches in the group phase, with the winners moving to the knockout stages. The tournament starts with Pakistan vs New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium, Karachi.

Venues

The Championship is to be held in different renowned cricket venues in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

National Stadium, Karachi: Hosts the tournament opener and a few group-stage games. 

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: Hosts key group-stage matches and one Semi-Final.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi: It will host many key group matches.

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai: It is the neutral venue for all Indian matches. Notably, it will include the major one against Pakistan and the first semi-final.

With this hybrid hosting arrangement, everything between India and Pakistan is now politically looked after, thereby securing India’s interest.

Key Matches to Watch

A few fixtures can be given a special status of must-watch matches which can be categorized during the tournament: 

1. Pakistan v New Zealand (February 19, Karachi) 

The opening match of each tournament is a magnificent spectacle. Pakistan will be looking forward to starting well against New Zealand.

2. Bangladesh v India (February 20, Dubai)

A subcontinental rivalry adds extra spice to this group-stage encounter.

3. Australia vs. England (February 22, Lahore)

The Ashes foes contest what would basically be deemed a blockbuster.

4. Pakistan vs. India (February 23, Dubai)

This much-anticipated tussle will steal the spotlight within the bracket of group-stage matches. With millions of fans glued to their screens, this Match could very much be the deciding match of the tournament.

5. Semi-Finals (March 5-6) 

The top two teams from each group will contest for a place in the finals.

6. Final (March 9)

The grand finale will take place in Karachi and that would, in a way, crown the new Champions Trophy winners.

Top Performers Awaiting

The Champions Trophy will have some of the biggest stars in cricket and their acts will determine fortunes for their teams. 

Babar Azam (Pakistan):

The captain from the host country is counted amongst the best batsmen in world cricket and will carry the hopes of millions of Pakistanis on his shoulders. His consistency and leadership will become the key. 

Virat Kohli (India): 

With his wealth of experience and endless appetite for runs, Kohli is certainly a key player for India. He is known to respond in situations of extreme pressure, therefore Kohli is one to watch out for.

Pat Cummins (Australia): 

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 winning team, Captain Cummins will lead the charge for the Australians, with the ball in hand. Pace and aggression are his twin offerings while skill to seize moments makes him potentially invaluable.

Joe Root (England)

Root, England’s most trusted batter, is going to be pivotal in the middle order. His placid demeanor under pressure brings stability to England’s innings.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

Express-pacer Rabada is a real nightmare for any batsman with his ability to get them out. He’s really going to be a big part of South Africa’s plans.

What Makes the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Different?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has an illustrious history since it is one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket. The 2025 edition, is no exception to this revered tradition of world-class cricket.

The event acquires a greater significance with respect to its hybrid hosting model. It assures India’s participation whilst allowing Pakistan to showcase itself as a premier cricketing nation. Watch out for clashes such as Pakistan vs India and Australia vs England, which will keep everyone going. Also, check out full details of how Pakistan Prepare for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.