2025 ICC Champions Trophy: Schedule, Squads, Venues, and Key Matches to Watch

Get the complete guide to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy! Full schedule, team squads, India’s lineup, venue details, and thrilling matchups like India vs Pakistan. Starts Feb 19!”

2025 ICC Champions Trophy

2025 ICC Champions Trophy: Everything You Need to Know

The ICC Champions Trophy returns in 2025, marking its first edition since 2017. Co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, this prestigious ODI tournament will feature the top eight men’s cricket teams battling for glory from February 19 to March 9. With high-voltage clashes, comebacks of star players, and a mix of iconic and new venues, here’s your ultimate guide to the action.

Host Nations and Venues

After an eight-year hiatus, the Champions Trophy makes a historic return to Pakistan, with select matches also hosted in the UAE. Key venues include:

• National Stadium, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Dubai International Cricket Stadium (UAE)

Pakistan’s role as a host signals a milestone for cricket in the region, while the UAE’s inclusion ensures seamless logistics and global accessibility.

2025 ICC Champions Trophy

Tournament Format

Eight teams are divided into two groups of four:

• Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, India
• Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, England

Each team plays three group-stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The showdown is set for March 9 in Karachi.

Full Schedule and Key Matches 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

All matches begin at 2:30 PM IST. Here are the fixtures you can’t miss:

Group Stage Highlights

• Feb 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi)
• Feb 20: Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)
• Feb 22: Australia vs England (Dubai) – A classic rivalry renewed!
• Feb 23: India vs Pakistan (Karachi) – The blockbuster clash!
• Mar 2: New Zealand vs India (Dubai) – Crucial for semi-final hopes.

Knockout Stage

• Semi-Finals: March 4 & 5 (Venues TBD)
• Final: March 9 (Karachi)

Team Squads and Players to Watch

India’s Squad

Captain: Rohit Sharma | Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
Key Players:

• Virat Kohli: The backbone of India’s batting.
• Rishabh Pant: Returns after a career-threatening injury.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Pace spearhead in crunch moments.

Full Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.

2025 ICC Champions Trophy

Other Teams

• Pakistan: Babar Azam’s leadership and Shaheen Afridi’s lethal bowling.
• England: Jofra Archer and Mark Wood’s express pace.
• Australia: Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell’s all-round prowess.

Predictions and Expectations

• India vs Pakistan: Always a thriller, this match could decide Group A’s standings.
• Australia and England: Strong contenders with balanced squads.
• Dark Horse: South Africa’s aggressive lineup might surprise.

How to Watch

Broadcast details will be updated closer to the tournament. For live scores and updates, follow BCCI.tv, ICC-Cricket.com, and Cricbuzz.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Champions Trophy promises fireworks, from India-Pakistan drama to the resurgence of cricket in Pakistan. With star players, strategic battles, and a global audience, this tournament is set to redefine ODI cricket’s future. Mark your calendars – the action begins on February 19!