This is the First ICC CHAMPIONS Trophy.......

 

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make a much-anticipated return from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marking its first appearance since 2017. This prestigious One Day International (ODI) tournament will feature the top eight cricketing nations competing for glory. Originally it was known as ICC Knockout when started in 1998 in Dhaka, bangladesh . This edition is the first ICC Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan . 

Tournament Overview

The 2025 edition will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Matches are scheduled across various venues, including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. Notably, this event signifies Pakistan's first time hosting a major ICC tournament since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Participating Teams and Groupings

The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups:

• Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
• Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England 

Schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand – National Stadium, Karachi
• February 20: Bangladesh vs. India – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa – National Stadium, Karachi
• February 22: Australia vs. England – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• February 23: Pakistan vs. India – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• February 25: Australia vs. South Africa – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• February 26: Afghanistan vs. England – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• February 28: India vs. New Zealand – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• March 1: South Africa vs. England – National Stadium, Karachi
• March 2: Australia vs. Afghanistan – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• March 4: Semi-final 1 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (if India qualifies)
• March 5: Semi-final 2 – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (if Pakistan qualifies)
• March 9: Final – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai (if India qualifies); otherwise, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

 

Key Fixtures

The tournament opener is slated for February 19, with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. A highlight of the group stage is the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. This match is expected to draw significant global attention, given the historic rivalry between the two nations.

Venue Arrangements

Due to geopolitical considerations, all of India's matches will be held in Dubai. This decision ensures the safety and security of the players and maintains the competitive integrity of the tournament. If India advances to the final, it will also be hosted in Dubai; otherwise, Lahore is designated as the final's venue.

Tournament Schedule

The group stage will be followed by semi-finals on March 4 and 5, leading up to the final on March 9. The complete schedule is available on the official ICC website.

Significance and Expectations

The return of the Champions Trophy adds a significant event to the international cricket calendar, offering teams an opportunity to compete in high-stakes matches ahead of the next World Cup cycle. Fans worldwide eagerly await the resumption of this tournament, renowned for its competitive format and memorable encounters.

Conclusion

As the cricketing world prepares for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, anticipation builds for a tournament that promises thrilling matches, historic rivalries, and the crowning of a new champion in the ODI format.