Islamabad, Jan 28: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return after an eight-year hiatus, bringing together the world’s top eight cricketing nations to compete for the prestigious title. Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This edition marks the first time since 1996 that Pakistan will host a global cricket tournament.
Tournament Format and Structure
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four:
- Group A:
- Pakistan
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
- Group B:
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
Each team will play three matches against the other teams in their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final on March 9. Notably, if India qualifies for the final, it will be held in Dubai; otherwise, the final will take place in Lahore. 
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Venues
The matches will be held across various venues in Pakistan and the UAE:
- Pakistan:
- Karachi: National Stadium
- Lahore: Gaddafi Stadium
- Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- United Arab Emirates:
- Dubai: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will also serve as a neutral venue for India’s matches, given the political tensions preventing India from playing in Pakistan.
Key Fixtures
The tournament will feature several high-profile matches:
- February 19:
- Pakistan vs. New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi
- February 20:
- Bangladesh vs. India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- February 23:
- Pakistan vs. India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
- February 22:
- Australia vs. England at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
These matches are expected to draw significant attention due to the intense rivalries and high stakes involved.
Squads and Key Players
Each participating nation has announced its squad for the tournament. Notably, Pat Cummins will lead the Australian team, which includes prominent players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. England has also named a strong squad, with Joe Root returning to the ODI lineup.
Broadcasting and Viewing
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be broadcast globally, with matches available on various platforms:
- India:
- Television: Star Sports
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
- Pakistan:
- Television: PTV Home, PTV Sports
- United Kingdom:
- Television: BBC Radio
- Australia:
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
For viewers in Pakistan, matches will be broadcast on PTV Sports, ensuring local fans can follow the action live.
Ticketing and Fan Engagement
Fans can register their interest in tickets through the official ICC website. Given the anticipated high demand, early registration is recommended to secure seats for the matches.
Conclusion
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best of international cricket. With top teams competing across iconic venues in Pakistan and the UAE, fans can look forward to a tournament filled with excitement, rivalries, and memorable moments.
