Islamabad, Dec 25: The much-anticipated Champions Trophy will see India and Pakistan face off in Dubai on February 23, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the official fixtures for the tournament on Tuesday.
Set to take place from February 19 to March 9, the eight-team tournament will be hosted in Pakistan, with some matches scheduled at the neutral venue of Dubai. Defending champions Pakistan, alongside India, have been drawn into Group A with New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
The tournament will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, where Pakistan will face New Zealand, while India will take on Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. Due to ongoing political tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board selected Dubai as a neutral venue for India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final, scheduled for March 4.
This arrangement means that India’s three group fixtures and the semi-final will take place in the UAE.In a unique twist, the final, initially scheduled to be held in Lahore on March 9, will be relocated to Dubai if India advances to the title match.
