Dubai has been confirmed as the venue for all Champions Trophy 2025 matches involving India, including one of the semi-finals and possibly the final too, if India makes it.
The schedule, officially released on Tuesday by the ICC, states that “semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify” and will be played in Dubai, and, similarly, “semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify”. he qualifies.” Lahore has also been named as the host city for the final, but “if India qualifies for the final, it will be played in Dubai”. The semi-finals and final will benefit from reserve days, an ICC statement confirmed.
PCB Chairman Naqvi said: “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.
“Our sincerest gratitude goes to the members of the ICC who played a constructive role in helping us reach a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”
The Pakistan vs India showpiece match in the group stage will be played on Sunday, February 23. The other two teams in this group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2.
Pakistan, the defending champion of the tournament, will begin the match on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan’s final league match, against Bangladesh, will be played in Rawalpindi on February 27.
The second group includes Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa. The matches of both groups – except matches against India – will be played in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, and as both matches benefit from reserve days, it is not impossible that they will take place on the same day, even if Dubai is generally dry at this time of the year. ‘year.
The agreement begins with the Champions Trophy and will apply to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, as well as the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, the first tournament of the next cycle of events now awarded to Pakistan.
