Mumbai: The much-delayed schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy has been finalised. As per the hybrid model agreed to by the International Cricket Council (ICC), hosts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Team India will be playing all their matches in the UAE.
“The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy,” ESPNcricinfo quoted PCB spokesperson Amir Mir as saying.
The marquee group A match between India and Pakistan will be played in Dubai on February 23. The other two teams in India’s group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2. ICC is yet to officially release the entire itinerary, but it’s likely that India will play all their league games in Dubai.
Defending champions Pakistan will kick off the ODI tournament on February 19, against New Zealand in Karachi. After facing India in Dubai, Pakistan will confront Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Group B, which comprises of Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan, will see all matches on Pakistan soil — across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The two semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5, with the final on March 9.
If India qualify for the last-four stage, the first semifinal will be played in the UAE. Otherwise, both semis will be staged in Pakistan. Similarly, the final will be held in Lahore, unless Team India feature in it.
PCB had wanted to stage the entire tournament on Pakistani soil, but BCCI said its team won’t travel across the border to play a single match, resulting in the delay in ICC finalising the format and fixtures.
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