Champions Trophy: PCB names UAE as neutral venue for matches with India

ISLAMABAD: Cricket fans around the globe are brimming with excitement as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule is set to be announced within the next 24 hours.

Sources within the ICC have confirmed that all formalities have been completed, paving the way for the much-anticipated announcement before the Christmas and New Year holidays.

A senior ICC official shared, “Every formality, including the necessary quotes from key stakeholders, has been finalized. In all likelihood, the schedule will be unveiled on Monday.”

Tentative Schedule Highlights

Pakistan, the defending champions, are set to kick off their title defense in style:

February 19: Opening match against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

February 21: South Africa vs. Afghanistan at Karachi.

March 1: South Africa vs. England at Karachi.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is also poised for thrilling action: February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand.

February 25: South Africa vs. Australia.

February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, will host some marquee clashes: February 22: Australia vs. England.

February 26: Afghanistan vs. England.

February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia.

The semi-finals will be divided across two nations:

March 4: First semi-final in Dubai (if India qualifies).

March 5: Second semi-final in Lahore.

The grand finale is tentatively scheduled for March 9 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. However, if India reaches the final, the venue will shift to Dubai Sports City Stadium on the same date.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue. The PCB has formally informed the ICC about the neutral venue decision, says a PCB handout.

Now, India and Pakistan’s Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE. The decision regarding the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy was to be made by the host, Pakistan, the PCB spokesperson said.

The final decision on the venue was made after a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Al Nahyan, the PCB spokesperson added. Sheikh Al Nahyan, currently in Pakistan, is also the Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said the PCB spokesperson.