After ICC managed to resolve the deadlock between BCCI and PCB, the Champions Trophy 2025 now has a clear path. The tentative schedule of the marquee event has now been revealed.
The tournament will witness the participation of eight teams – Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.
Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore are the venues likely to host games in Pakistan, while India will play at a neutral venue. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and New Zealand are slotted in the same group.
The hosts, Pakistan will kickoff the tournament on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi. Meanwhile, the following day will see Bangladesh clash against India.
The arch-rivals, India and Pakistan are likely to clash on February 23 at a neutral venue. They last met in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad, where India bundled out Pakistan for 191. Then, captain Rohit Sharma (86) emerged as the top batter to help the hosts chase down the score in around 30 overs.
The top two teams from each group will then qualify for the semi-finals at a neutral venue on March 4-5. The final game will be played on March 9 at the same venue, with the provision of a reserve day as well.
Dubai finalized as the neutral venue for 2025 Champions Trophy: Reports
If the reports are to be believed, India is likely to play all their league games of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, which was their preferred venue in pursuit of a hybrid mode. The authorities in Dubai have been asked to keep the venue and arrangements ready for India’s league games and knockout matches.
However, there have been issues related to UAE’s visa policy for the Pakistan and Afghanistan nationals lately. All stakeholders have been trying to find a way to organize games in Dubai smoothly, while working with authorities regarding the visa situations.
“UAE remains the priority with Dubai most likely being the neutral venue for the 2025 CT,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by New Indian Express.
“Pakistan nationals from a few cities have been denied UAE visas of late. Similarly, a few other participating nations also face the same difficulties in procuring the UAE visas. These issues could lead to change in the venue but the Pakistan board is trying its best to get things sorted out as Dubai looks the most appropriate venue,” added the source.
It will be interesting to see when the official update by the ICC comes about the official schedule, ticketing details and the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy.
FAQs
When did the last Champions Trophy take place?
2017
Who has been the best batter in Champions Trophy history?
Chris Gayle – 791 runs in 17 innings
