The wait is finally over. The ICC has officially announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will kick off on February 19, with the most highly anticipated match—India vs Pakistan—scheduled for February 23 in Dubai during the group stage. Fans are eagerly waiting for this high-voltage clash, and the Dubai International Stadium is expected to witness a packed crowd on match day.
The Champions Trophy is making a comeback after eight years. The last edition was held in 2017 in England, where Pakistan defeated India in the final to lift the trophy. This time, the tournament’s hosting rights sparked significant controversy.
Pakistan is the official host, but due to security concerns, the BCCI was unwilling to send the Indian team to Pakistan. This led to several disputes between the BCCI and the PCB. Eventually, the PCB had to agree to a hybrid model, which means India’s matches will be held at a neutral venue. This arrangement will also apply to all ICC tournaments until 2027, where Pakistan’s matches in India will be hosted at neutral venues.
India will play its first group-stage match on February 20 against Bangladesh. After the much-awaited match against Pakistan on February 23, the Indian team will have a seven-day break before facing New Zealand on March 2.
India has won the Champions Trophy only once in 2013, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. In 2002, India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners after the final was washed out due to rain. The Indian team has reached the final four times—in 2000, 2002, 2013, and 2017.
Champions Trophy Winners So Far
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-up | Teams Participated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Bangladesh | South Africa | West Indies | 9 |
| 2000 | Kenya | New Zealand | India | 11 |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka | India-Sri Lanka (Joint Winners) | — | 12 |
| 2004 | England | West Indies | England | 12 |
| 2006 | India | Australia | West Indies | 10 |
| 2009 | South Africa | Australia | New Zealand | 8 |
| 2013 | England & Wales | India | England | 8 |
| 2017 | England & Wales | Pakistan | India | 8 |
| 2025 | Pakistan and UAE | ? | ? | 8 |
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams playing a total of 15 matches. Matches will be hosted across Pakistan and Dubai. All of India’s group-stage matches will take place in Dubai, while other teams will play their matches in Pakistan.
The tournament will last for 19 days, and Pakistan will host games in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, with each venue hosting three group-stage matches. India’s three group-stage games and the first semi-final will be played in Dubai.
Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days in case of interruptions. The first semi-final will be held in Dubai, while Lahore will host the second semi-final.
If India qualifies for the final, the match will be shifted from Lahore to Dubai, potentially embarrassing Pakistan. However, if India does not qualify, Lahore will host the final on March 9.
