ICC Champions Trophy League 2025 Schedule, Venue, Teams and Group List
Organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March 2025. The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy where the top eight national teams in Men’s One Day International (ODI) including Pakistan, Australia, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, South Africa, Afghanistan and England will participate and compete. Pakistan’s Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are scheduled to host the matches. The tournament will begin with a thrilling opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. Cricket lovers of Pakistan will get a chance to enjoy world class cricket in different cities of the motherland. Pakistan won the previous edition in 2017. In the case of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the venue may change if the Indian team is prevented from traveling to Pakistan due to security reasons. Click to see Previous Champions Trophy Winners Lists.
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ICC Champions Trophy League 2025 Schedule and Venue
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule has been released by the authorities. The inaugural match on 19 February 2025 will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand. Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are the three important venues for the match. ICC Champions Trophy League 2025 Schedule( Champion Trophy Time Table):
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 19 | New Zealand vs Pakistan | Karachi |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs India | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Lahore |
| February 23 | New Zealand vs India | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 24 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| February 25 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore |
| February 26 | Australia vs South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| February 27 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Rawalpindi |
| March 1 | Pakistan vs India | Dubai International Stadium |
| March 2 | South Africa vs England | Rawalpindi |
| March 5 | 1st Semi-final – TBC vs TBC | Karachi |
| March 6 | 2nd Semi-final – TBC vs TBC | Rawalpindi |
| March 9 | Champions Trophy 2025 Final | Lahore |
After the group stage matches, the semi-finals and finals will be held. India vs Pakistan match on March 1, 2025 in Lahore will give the audience a special moment of thrilling thrill. The semi-finals will be held on 5 March 2025 in Karachi and 6 March 2025 in Rawalpindi and the final match on 9 March 2025 in Lahore.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Venues
ICC Champions Trophy League 2025 is going to be played on the grounds of Pakistan from 21st of February to 14th March 2025. Three cricket grounds are selected for the entire event. PCB decided to host ICC Champion Trophy 2025 in these stadiums.
PCB is planning to increase the capacity of stadiums so that more cricket fans can enjoy live matches in the stadium.Construction of stadiums has started and will complete very soon.
Background
The ICC Champions Trophy League is a cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1998 and known as the “Mini World Cup”. The first edition of the Champions Trophy was held in Bangladesh and South Africa became champions for the first time. After Bangladesh, Kenya hosted the second edition in 2000 and this time New Zealand beat India. The event was named “ICC Knockout Trophy” in the first two editions.
In 2016, the ICC announced that future editions of the Champions Trophy would not be held after the 2017 tournament, aiming to have only one major tournament in each format of international cricket. They then announced in November 2021 that the next Champions Trophy cricket will be held in 2025.
In December 2022, the government gave approval to former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raza to build a new “high-tech” cricket stadium in Islamabad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
When the 2023 Cricket World Cup was held in November 2023, top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) demanded from the ICC Executive Board, “If the Indian cricket team refuses to tour Pakistan due to political and security reasons and the tournament is organized in Bangladesh through a ‘hybrid-model’, the PCB will be compensated”.
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ICC Champions Trophy League 2025
After canceling the ICC Champions Trophy after the 2017 edition, in November 2021, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced, “The ninth ICC Champions Trophy will be held in 2025 and the top eight men’s national teams in the One Day International (ODI) rankings will be able to participate”. The next Champions Trophy will be hosted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in February and March 2025 in Pakistan. As per the announcement, the ninth season will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Reigning champions Pakistan finished first in the latest 2017 Champions Trophy. The last ICC event in Pakistan was held jointly with Sri Lanka and India in 1996. After 29 years, Pakistan got the responsibility to host the ICC event. Pakistan will host the historic international cricket tournament alone.
As the next important limited-overs competition after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already released the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule and grouping. According to a source in EANS, if the Indian team does not tour Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to the ongoing dispute between Pakistan and India. The venue of the tournament could then be changed, adopting the hybrid format used in the 2023 Asia Cup. India have not played in Pakistan since 2006 due to political unrest.
Teams That Did Not Qualify
Qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is based on their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with only the top eight teams getting a chance. Teams that fail to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup fail to secure a place in the Champions Trophy. Hence, some traditional strong team will not participate in the tournament, reflecting the changing landscape of international cricket. The following teams have not qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka has a glorious ICC tournament record of winning the 1996 World Cup and reaching the semi-finals and finals many times, but missed out on qualifying for the Champions Trophy after finishing 9th in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
West Indies – a team rich in cricket history, won the World Cup twice. Cricket is currently at a low point in history as declining performances, game management and financial crises have severely damaged their ability to compete. Failure to qualify for the 2023 World Cup also excluded them from the Champions Trophy.
Scotland – Although historically not considered a strong cricket team, significant progress has been made in recent years, particularly in the T20 competition. Despite their best efforts, they will not be able to participate in the Champions Trophy after failing to qualify for the 2023 World Cup.
Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe, once a competitive team in international cricket, is currently suffering from a political and financial crisis that affects team performance and player development. Failed to qualify for the World Cup, hence eliminated from this Champions Trophy tournament.
Ireland – Known for their enthusiasm and talent, the Irish team has made significant achievements in international cricket over the past two decades. They achieved full member status and produced memorable upsets against powerful teams. The team failed to participate in the 2023 ODI World Cup and thus missed out on playing in the Champions Trophy.
Qualifying Teams
Pakistan is set to host an exciting ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Hosted by cricket-loving country Pakistan, the tournament is one of the most prestigious titles in One Day International (ODI) cricket, bringing together seven of the world’s top teams, including Pakistan, to compete for it.
Pakistan – Hosts Pakistan were the first in the latest 2017 Champions Trophy. The last ICC event in Pakistan was held jointly with Sri Lanka and India in 1996. After 29 years, Pakistan became the sole host of the ICC Champions Trophy. They have talented bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to challenge any batting lineup. On the other hand, world-class batsmen like Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq Haque have taken the momentum of the team to the ultimate level. Pakistan Squad Player List.
Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s debut in the 2025 Champions Trophy is a huge milestone in their rise to international cricket. Known for world class powerful spin bowling and bold batting led by Rashid Khan. Afghanistan’s strong spin bowlers have the ability to surprise the top teams on the pitch
Australia – Australia, the reigning ODI World Cup champions, have won five World Cup titles. To maintain the winning streak, David Warner will field confidently with powerful batsmen and skilled fast bowlers including Mitchell Starc. But they are yet to win the Champions Trophy.
Bangladesh – Among the top teams in the 2023 World Cup, Bangladesh have made it to the Champions Trophy. The Bangladesh team will enter the field with the world’s best all-rounders Shakib-Al Hasan, Nazmul Hasan Shanto, strong batsmen and skilled fast bowlers. With the support of their enthusiastic fans, the tournament is likely to make an impact. Bangladesh Squad Players List.
India – Two-time Champions Trophy winners India have a strong batting lineup and world-class spinners. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and skilled players will compete under the leadership of Rohit Sharma as they aim to win the ICC Champions Trophy for the third time. Ranked among the top teams in the 2023 ICC World Cup. India Squad Players List.
England – England won the 2019 World Cup and topped the Champions Trophy. Their squad is full of strong opening pair and all-rounders. England are one of the contenders for the title due to their aggressive approach, versatile bowling and strong hitters in the batting line-up who are capable of changing the pace of the game quickly. England Squad Players List.
South Africa – The South African team has strong batsmen who can score quick runs and pacers who can handle the pressure. Among the top teams in the 2023 World Cup, they have qualified for the Champions Trophy. Despite facing challenges in previous tournaments, hope to win a major ICC trophy.
New Zealand – New Zealand are a balanced team who regularly perform well in ICC tournaments. Consistent performances in the last ICC World Cup earned them a spot in the Champions Trophy. Led by Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson, the Kiwis enter the competition confident and capable of challenging any team.
Teams will participate in the tournament with their maximum strength. Which is set to make the 2025 Champions Trophy a highly anticipated cricket event — This event will be memorable.
Champions Trophy League Groups
Seven other teams will compete for the trophy, including host nation Pakistan, who have qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Teams are selected based on their One Day International (ODI) ranking. List of top eight Champions Trophy 2025 teams who have qualified for the competition:
| Champions Trophy 2025 Teams List |
| 1. Pakistan 2. Australia 3. India 4. New Zealand 5. Bangladesh 6. South Africa 7. Afghanistan 8. England |
The Champions Trophy tournament will be organized in an organized manner. First will start with the group stage match. The winners of the group stage matches will then compete in the semi-finals. Then there will be a final to determine the overall winner in which the winning teams from the semi-finals will participate. The Pakistan Cricket Board has already announced the group, it appears that arch-rivals India and Pakistan are in the same group. Fans will enjoy a thrilling match full of excitement in the India-Pakistan match. Groups are given below:
| Group A | Group B |
| 1. India 2. Pakistan 3. New Zealand 4. Bangladesh | 1. England 2. South Africa 3. Australia 4. Afghanistan |
Knockout Stage Format
The top two teams of each group will qualify for the semifinal. In the knockout stage the winner of both groups teams played against the runner up of the other group team. The winner of Group A will play against the runner-up of Group B, and the winner of Group B will play against the runner-up of Group A in the Semi Finals. And the winners of the Semi Finals will face each other in the Final.
| Semi Finals | Date | Vanue | |
| A1 | Winner of Group A Winner of Group b | 5 March 2025 | National Stadium, Karachi |
| B2 | |||
| B1 | Winner of Group A Winner of Group b | 6 March 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| A2 | |||
| Final | Date | Vanue | |
| SF1W | Winner of Semi-final 1 | 9 March 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| SF2W | Winner of Semi-final 2 | ||
India’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan
India has not played a tournament in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to the political crisis between India and Pakistan. There is also speculation about whether India will tour Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Rajeev Shukla said the decision to send the Indian team to Pakistan would depend on the central government’s approval. The Indian government has always played a major sanctioning role in international cricket tours. Analyzing the latest reports, it can be seen that there is a strong possibility that the Indian team will not go to Pakistan. Instead, the BCCI plans to request the ICC to shift India’s matches to neutral venues like Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates. The ICC is yet to receive a formal request from the BCCI to change the venue. Then, the second major tournament will be held outside Pakistan as India does not want to play. And a new chapter will be added to the current cricket diplomacy of the two countries. A similar decision was taken during Pakistan’s tour of India during the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Due to India’s concerns, the PCB has suggested some options, such as hosting India’s matches in a specific city to reduce travel. However, if India’s participation is not absolutely certain, the ICC may consider alternative arrangements and shift India’s matches elsewhere. Or the entire tournament can be moved if necessary. The Champions Trophy will be a big occasion for international cricket fans and will increase the excitement for a potential India-Pakistan match.
Latest Update
ICC delegation visit: ICC delegation visits Pakistan on 18 September 2024.
Venue Evaluation: National Stadium in Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have been listed as major venues for evaluation.
India’s participation: The Pakistan Cricket Board has offered India to play their matches in Lahore. But due to political tension neutral venue is also being discussed.
Security Discussions: The International Cricket Council Security Manager will meet with local authorities to ensure maximum security.