Champions Trophy 2025: India Set to Face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai, Final Scheduled for March 9

Dubai, Dec 24 (NationPress) India will clash with the defending champions and long-standing rivals Pakistan in Dubai on February 23 during the Champions Trophy 2025. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule for this prestigious tournament on Tuesday, which is set to kick off on February 19.

The tournament will open with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi, while the final is set for March 9. This eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches held across various venues in Pakistan and Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes the current Champions Trophy holders and hosts Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features the Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.

While most matches will be hosted by Pakistan, all of India's group stage games and the first semi-final will take place in Dubai.

In Pakistan, the venues for the tournament will be Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, with each hosting three group games. Lahore will also be the site of the second semi-final.

If India reaches the final, it will also be held in Dubai; otherwise, Lahore will host the championship match. Reserve days are allocated for both semi-finals and the final.

The Dubai segment begins on February 20, featuring India against Bangladesh. Group B matches kick off on February 21, with Afghanistan facing South Africa in Karachi.

Excitement builds as England and Australia are set to clash in Lahore on February 22, leading to the eagerly awaited Pakistan-India match the following day.

Groups:

Group A - Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Group B - South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England

Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:

February 19, Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

February 20, Bangladesh vs India, Dubai

February 21, Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

February 22, Australia vs England, Lahore, Pakistan

February 23, Pakistan vs India, Dubai

February 24, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

February 25, Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

February 26, Afghanistan vs England, Lahore, Pakistan

February 27, Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

February 28, Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

March 1, South Africa vs England, Karachi, Pakistan

March 2, New Zealand vs India, Dubai

March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai

March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

March 9, Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)

March 10, Reserve day