Champions Trophy 2025: India To Play All It’s Matches in Dubai as Full Fixtures Are Announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that Dubai will host all of India’s matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy, including the knockouts, should the team qualify.

Champions Trophy 2025 2 Champions Trophy 2025: India To Play All It's Matches in Dubai as Full Fixtures Are Announced

This decision marks a significant arrangement in cricket diplomacy, reflecting a hybrid hosting model that accommodates political and logistical sensitivities.

India’s Matches: A Dubai Affair

India’s group stage fixtures will feature Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on March 2, and a high-octane clash against Pakistan on February 23. All these matches are scheduled in Dubai, ensuring a consistent venue for the Indian contingent. The ICC’s schedule highlights that “semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify” and will also be held in Dubai. Additionally, the final, originally set for Lahore, will shift to Dubai should India secure a spot.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Champions Trophy 2025: India To Play All It's Matches in Dubai as Full Fixtures Are Announced
Cricket – ICC T20 World Cup 2024 – Group A – India v Pakistan – Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, United States – June 9, 2024 India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leave the pitch due to rain REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Both semi-finals, scheduled for March 4 and March 5, along with the final, have been allocated reserve days. The ICC noted that these adjustments were made to ensure flexibility and fair competition, especially given the strategic importance of these knockout games.

The Decision-Making Process

This unique hosting arrangement stems from an agreement reached between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC. The decision was solidified after a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, a senior UAE minister and head of the Emirates Cricket Board. The agreement underscores a spirit of cooperation, with Naqvi stating, “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.”

Naqvi also extended gratitude to ICC members, emphasizing their role in finding a mutually beneficial solution. This hybrid hosting model not only addresses political considerations but also ensures that cricket fans across the globe can enjoy marquee matches in a seamless manner.

Group Dynamics and Fixture Highlights

The Champions Trophy features two groups of four teams each. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The other group comprises Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Champions Trophy 2025: India To Play All It's Matches in Dubai as Full Fixtures Are Announced
  • Key Fixtures: The much-anticipated Pakistan vs. India clash is set for February 23 in Dubai, a match expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide. Pakistan, the defending champions, will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
  • Knockout Structure: The semi-finals and final are poised to be nail-biting encounters, with Dubai and Lahore serving as the primary venues. However, any Indian involvement in the final will ensure a Dubai showdown.

Broader Implications of the Hybrid Model

This arrangement has far-reaching consequences for cricket events beyond the Champions Trophy. It has been agreed that Pakistan’s matches in ICC tournaments hosted by India until 2027 will also be held at neutral venues. This precedent begins with the Champions Trophy and extends to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan.

Champions Trophy 2025: Full Schedule of Group Matches

DateMatchVenue
February 19Pakistan vs. New ZealandKarachi
February 20Bangladesh vs. IndiaDubai
February 21Afghanistan vs. South AfricaKarachi
February 22Australia vs. EnglandLahore
February 23Pakistan vs. IndiaDubai
February 24Bangladesh vs. New ZealandRawalpindi
February 25Australia vs. South AfricaRawalpindi
February 26Afghanistan vs. EnglandLahore
February 27Pakistan vs. BangladeshRawalpindi
February 28Afghanistan vs. AustraliaLahore
March 1South Africa vs. EnglandKarachi
March 2New Zealand vs. IndiaDubai
March 4Semi-final 1Dubai
March 5Semi-final 2Lahore
March 9FinalLahore*
*Final will be held in Dubai if India qualifies.

The Champions Trophy 2025 promises high-octane cricket action, with Dubai serving as the stage for India’s journey. The hybrid model reflects a collaborative effort to balance political realities with the passion of cricket fans. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Dubai, where history might be scripted in the heart of the UAE.

Read More: Tanush Kotian Joins India Squad for Final 2 Tests in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

FAQs

Where will India play its matches in the Champions Trophy 2025?

All India matches, including the knockouts if they qualify, will be held in Dubai.

What happens if India qualifies for the final?

If India reaches the final, it will also be played in Dubai instead of Lahore, the official host city.

What is the marquee group-stage match for India?

India will face Pakistan on February 23, a Sunday, in Dubai.

What is the format for semi-finals and final?

Both semi-finals (March 4 and 5) and the final (March 9) have reserved days to account for any interruptions.

How does the hybrid hosting model work?

India’s matches are in the UAE, while Pakistan’s matches in ICC events hosted by India until 2027 will also be at neutral venues.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More like this

BCCI Announces Fixtures for Team India International Home Season 2025: Guwahati Set for Historic First Test Match

BCCI Announces Fixtures for Team India International Home Season...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the fixtures for Team India's...
BCCI Rewards Team India with INR 58 Crore for Champions Trophy Triumph

BCCI Rewards Team India with INR 58 Crore for...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a substantial cash reward of INR...
PCB Suffers ₹739 Crore Loss Hosting First ICC Event in 29 Years—Champions Trophy 2025

PCB Suffers ₹739 Crore Loss Hosting First ICC Event...

After nearly three decades, Pakistan hosted a major ICC event—the Champions Trophy 2025. However, what was meant...
Rohit sharma 2

Rohit Sharma Gets BCCI Backing to Lead India in...

Rohit Sharma : India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma has secured the backing of the Board of Control...
Champions Trophy 2025 Shatters Records with 540 Crore Views in India

Champions Trophy 2025 Shatters Records with 540 Crore Views...

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 turned out to be a monumental event, setting unprecedented viewership records...

LATEST NEWS

Final Fantasy 9 Remake Speculation Grows After Anniversary Site Launch

Square Enix has reignited excitement for a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake by launching an official website celebrating the game's 25th anniversary. The new...

IPL 2025: LSG Edge MI in Thriller as Marsh, Markram Shine and Avesh Holds Nerve at Death

Tilak Varma retired out while Hardik Pandya took charge of strike rotation, but their late push wasn’t enough as Mumbai Indians (MI) fell short...

Motorola Razr 60 & 60 Ultra Leak Reveals Design, Specs & Colors

Motorola's upcoming foldable phones, the Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra, have surfaced online ahead of their official launch. Although the company has not...

IPL 2025: PBKS vs RR – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE

IPL 2025 promises more excitement as Punjab Kings take on Rajasthan Royals in Match 18, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at the Maharaja Yadavindra...

Featured