After a long discussion regarding hosting the tournament in Pakistan, which the ICC rightfully gave, it is unfortunate that the 2025 Champions Trophy Hybrid Model has been revealed. The Model sees the United Arab Emirates jointly hosting the event alongside Pakistan.
Following the conclusion of the meeting with the ICC, all of India’s matches will be played in the United Arab Emirates. This includes two of the knockout matches; Semi-Final two and the final. However, these two knockout games will only be played in the UAE should India qualify. If India fails, all the knockouts will be played in Pakistan.
Also Read: PCB to not Accommodate a Hybrid Model for India in Champions Trophy 2025 This time
2025 Champions Trophy Hybrid Model Schedule and Groupings
Like the previous editions from 2009 onwards, eight teams will participate in the tournament divided into two groups of four. The groups and fixtures were revealed on May 5. Defending Champions and hosts Pakistan are placed in Group A while two times trophy holders Australia are placed in Group B.
| Group 1 | Group 2 |
| Pakistan (Hosts/ Defending Champions) | Afghanistan |
| Bangladesh | Australia |
| India | South Africa |
| New Zealand | England |
The tournament will begin between the host Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19. Here’s the complete schedule.
| Date | Group | Match | Ground |
| 19 Feb | A | Pakistan v New Zealand | Karachi |
| 20 Feb | A | Bangladesh v India | Dubai |
| 21 Feb | B | Afghanistan v South Africa | Karachi |
| 22 Feb | B | Australia v England | Lahore |
| 23 Feb | A | Pakistan v India | Dubai |
| 24 Feb | A | Bangladesh v New Zealand | Rawalpindi |
| 25 Feb | B | Australia v South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| 26 Feb | B | Afghanistan v England | Lahore |
| 27 Feb | A | Pakistan v Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| 28 Feb | B | Afghanistan v Australia | Lahore |
| 01 Mar | B | South Africa v England | Karachi |
| 02 Mar | A | New Zealand v India | Dubai |
Knock-out stage
| Date | Stage | Match | Ground |
| Mar 4 | Semi-Final 1 | TBC vs TBC | Dubai |
| Mar 5 | Semi-Final 2 | TBC vs TBC | Lahore |
| Mar 9 | The Final | TBC vs TBC | Lahore/ Dubai |
Key Points
- The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9
- The Semi-final 1 is on March 4 and Semi-final 2 is on March 5.
- Semi-final 1 and the Final will be played in either Pakistan or UAE (depending on India’s qualification)
- Matches are to be played in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi and the Neutral Venue in Dubai
- India will play all of their matches in UAE, including knockouts
- Reserve days are available only for Semi-final 2 and the Final
Also Read: Is Champion’s Trophy 2025 in danger because of ILT20?
Where to watch the 2025 Champions Trophy?
| Country | Network |
| Afghanistan | Ariana TV |
| Australia | Prime Video |
| Bangladesh | Nagorik TV and T Sports |
| England | Sky Sports |
| India | Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport |
| Pakistan | PTV, A Sports and tapmad |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| Sri Lanka | Star Sports Network |
| UAE | Starz On |
| USA | Willow TV and ESPN+ |
Pakistan’s 2025 Champions Trophy Schedule, hosting history and previous performance
Hosting History
The hosts and defending champions of the competition, Pakistan will be hosting an ICC event for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
The 2009 Champions Trophy, which South Africa hosted, was originally to be scheduled in Pakistan in September 2008. Due to security fears expressed by several participating countries, mostly from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa – who later announced that they would not take part – the ICC postponed the tournament.
Eventually after a meeting in February 2009, the ICC moved the tournament out of Pakistan to South Africa.
After over 15 years, the tournament will be played partially in Pakistan. While it is disappointing not to have a complete tournament in the country, it is still a massive moment for Pakistan fans to have a major tournament conducted in the country for the first time since 1996.
Previous Performance and Schedule
Pakistan entered the 2017 edition as the 8th-ranked team and were placed in Group B alongside India, South Africa and Sri Lanka. They were handed a 124-run defeat by their arch-rivals in their opening game but made a comeback after thrilling wins over South Africa and Sri Lanka to qualify for the semi-finals.
In the semi-final against England, Pakistan crushed the host by eight wickets to qualify for their first CT Final. Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan faced India in the final where India were handed the biggest defeat in the ICC event’s Final history and won their maiden Champions Trophy title.
Pakistan will open their tournament against New Zealand on February 19.
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