ICC World Cup 2025 schedule
Introduction
Cricket fans around the world had been waiting for the return of one of the most exciting tournaments in the sport — the ICC Champions Trophy. After eight long years, the tournament finally made a comeback in 2025, bringing with it thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
Hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, this edition of the Champions Trophy was especially important. It not only gave fans a chance to see the top 8 teams in action, but also marked a major international tournament being played in Pakistan after many years. From India vs Pakistan clashes to stunning performances by young players, the tournament delivered excitement from start to finish.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the complete schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 — including match dates, venues, teams, and everything else you need to know.
Tournament Overview
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a major event in the cricketing calendar, bringing together eight of the world’s best cricket teams. It was held from 19 February to 9 March 2025, with matches hosted in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was the first ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, making it a historic moment for the country and its cricket fans.
The Champions Trophy followed the One Day International (ODI) format, meaning each team played 50 overs per innings. A total of 15 matches were played during the tournament, including group stage games, semi-finals, and the grand final.
Here are some key details about the tournament:
- Format: 50-over ODI
- Number of Teams: 8
- Total Matches: 15
- Host Countries: Pakistan and UAE
- Duration: 19 February – 9 March 2025
The tournament gave fans a chance to enjoy high-quality cricket, with close contests and standout individual performances. It also played an important role in strengthening international cricket in Pakistan and promoting the sport across the region.
Participating Teams
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 featured 8 top cricketing nations from around the world. These teams qualified based on their rankings and performances in international cricket. The tournament was a mix of experienced giants and rising challengers, making it exciting for fans across the globe.
Here are the 8 teams that took part:
- India – One of the strongest sides in ODI cricket, known for their powerful batting and strong fan following.
- Pakistan – The host nation, with a rich history in the Champions Trophy and passionate home support.
- Australia – A consistent performer in ICC tournaments with a well-balanced squad.
- New Zealand – Known for their teamwork and never-give-up attitude.
- England – The inventors of cricket, bringing in aggressive batting and deep experience.
- South Africa – A team full of talent, always capable of beating any opponent on their day.
- Bangladesh – A growing force in international cricket, bringing energy and unpredictability.
- Afghanistan – Making their Champions Trophy debut, and impressing everyone with their skilled bowlers and fearless attitude.
These teams were divided into two groups of four, setting the stage for exciting group stage matchups and dramatic knockout rounds.
Group Stage Breakdown
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with a round-robin group stage. The 8 teams were divided into two groups, with each team playing every other team in their group once. The top two teams from each group then moved on to the semi-finals.
Here’s how the groups were structured:
Group A
- Pakistan
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
This group brought intense rivalries and some high-pressure matches — especially the India vs Pakistan game, which is always one of the most watched contests in world cricket.
Group B
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Group B featured a mix of tournament veterans and exciting challengers. Afghanistan’s entry into this group added a new flavor, while the matches between Australia, England, and South Africa were filled with power-packed performances.
Each match in the group stage played a crucial role in shaping the semi-final lineup. Teams had to be at their best from the very first game, as even a single loss could affect their chances of qualifying.
Key Fixtures
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 delivered some unforgettable matches right from the group stage. With top teams competing and historic rivalries in play, several fixtures stood out for their intensity and impact. Here are some of the most important and exciting matches from the tournament:
Group Stage Highlights
- 19 February – Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi): The opening match of the tournament, hosted in Karachi, set the tone with a competitive clash between two balanced teams.
- 20 February – India vs Bangladesh (Dubai): A high-scoring encounter where India’s batting line-up faced a strong challenge from a determined Bangladesh team.
- 22 February – Australia vs England (Lahore): The classic Ashes rivalry brought to the ODI stage, this match was full of thrilling moments and close finishes.
- 23 February – Pakistan vs India (Dubai): The most anticipated fixture of the group stage. With a packed stadium and millions watching worldwide, this match was all about pride, passion, and performance.
- 2 March – India vs New Zealand (Dubai): A crucial game that played a major role in deciding the semi-final lineup. Both teams were in strong form, and the match didn’t disappoint.
Knockout Matches
- Semi-Final 1 – India vs Australia (Dubai): A battle between two ODI powerhouses, this semi-final had everything — big scores, close calls, and a thrilling finish.
- Semi-Final 2 – South Africa vs New Zealand (Lahore): A tightly contested match where both teams gave it their all to reach the final.
- Final – India vs New Zealand (Dubai): The grand finale. India chased down New Zealand’s total with smart batting and calm nerves, winning the title by 4 wickets.
These key fixtures were the highlight of the Champions Trophy 2025 and gave fans plenty of reasons to cheer, celebrate, and remember.
Knockout Stage
After the intense group stage battles, the top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals. These knockout matches were filled with drama, skill, and pressure, as every team had just one goal: to reach the final and win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Semi-Final 1: India vs Australia (Dubai)
This semi-final was a high-voltage clash between two cricketing giants. India put in a dominant performance with both bat and ball. Their top-order batting helped build a strong total, and the bowlers backed it up with tight lines and crucial wickets. India won the match and secured their place in the final.
Semi-Final 2: South Africa vs New Zealand (Lahore)
This match was a nail-biter. New Zealand batted first and posted a competitive score. South Africa fought hard in their chase, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling in the final overs sealed the game. New Zealand advanced to the final, setting up a big showdown with India.
Final: India vs New Zealand (Dubai)
The final match lived up to all expectations. New Zealand posted a challenging target with solid batting. India, in response, played smart cricket. A composed chase by India’s middle order led them to a memorable victory, winning the match by 4 wickets and lifting their third Champions Trophy title.
The knockout stage showed why the Champions Trophy is such a loved tournament — intense matches, world-class performances, and unforgettable moments.
Venues
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was hosted by two countries — Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Matches were played across some of the most iconic and well-equipped cricket stadiums in these regions. This shared hosting arrangement allowed for smooth logistics and gave fans from both nations a chance to witness world-class cricket live.
Venues in Pakistan
- National Stadium – Karachi: A historic venue known for its electric atmosphere and strong home support for Pakistan. It hosted several group-stage matches, including the opening match.
- Gaddafi Stadium – Lahore: One of Pakistan’s most famous stadiums, known for its beautiful architecture and passionate cricket fans. It hosted a semi-final match and other key games.
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – Rawalpindi: A modern venue with excellent facilities, often praised for its fast pitches and good crowd turnout.
Venues in the UAE
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium – Dubai: A world-class stadium that hosted many of the tournament\’s biggest matches, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash and the grand final. It is known for its modern design and high-quality playing surface.
These venues were chosen not just for their infrastructure, but also for their ability to handle large crowds and deliver top-tier cricketing experiences. Hosting the tournament across two countries also showcased cricket’s growing reach in Asia and the Middle East.
Notable Highlights
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was packed with unforgettable moments, standout performances, and emotional highs. Whether it was thrilling finishes or individual brilliance, this tournament gave fans plenty to cheer about. Here are some of the most notable highlights:
India Wins the Trophy
- India lifted their third Champions Trophy title after defeating New Zealand in a tense final. Their consistent performance throughout the tournament made them deserving champions.
Rachin Ravindra – Player of the Series
- New Zealand’s rising star, Rachin Ravindra, was named the Player of the Series. He scored 263 runs, showing great skill, calmness under pressure, and the ability to perform in crucial matches.
Matt Henry – Leading Wicket-Taker
- New Zealand’s fast bowler Matt Henry took the most wickets (10) in the tournament. His pace, accuracy, and ability to strike early made a huge impact.
Historic Match: India vs Pakistan
- The India vs Pakistan group-stage match in Dubai drew worldwide attention. With a packed stadium and millions watching from home, it was one of the biggest highlights of the tournament, showcasing the emotional and competitive spirit of this famous rivalry.
Afghanistan’s Debut
- Afghanistan made their first-ever appearance in the ICC Champions Trophy. Their performances impressed many, and they showed they belong on the big stage, earning respect from fans and experts alike.
Successful Hosting by Pakistan
- Pakistan successfully hosted major international matches after many years. The tournament went smoothly, and the cricket world praised Pakistan for its hospitality and organization.
These highlights are just a glimpse of what made the 2025 Champions Trophy so special. From team efforts to individual stars, the tournament had everything that cricket lovers could hope for.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a thrilling tournament that brought together the best cricket teams from around the world. With exciting matches, strong performances, and Pakistan hosting after many years, it was a memorable event for players and fans alike. India’s victory, Afghanistan’s debut, and great moments throughout made this edition special. Cricket lovers can now look forward to more exciting tournaments in the future.
Bonus Points
Return After Long Break
- The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marked the return of this popular tournament after an eight-year gap, reigniting excitement among cricket fans worldwide.
Afghanistan’s Rise
- Afghanistan’s participation showed how far their cricket team has come, moving from newcomers to serious competitors on the world stage.
Pakistan’s Hosting Comeback
- Hosting the Champions Trophy was a major step for Pakistan in bringing back international cricket, helping rebuild confidence among players and fans.
New Talents Shining Bright
- Young players like Rachin Ravindra made a big impact, proving the tournament is a great platform for emerging stars.
Balanced Competition
- With eight strong teams, the tournament offered competitive and closely fought matches, making every game exciting to watch.
Great Venues with Fantastic Atmosphere
- The mix of historic stadiums in Pakistan and modern venues in the UAE gave the tournament a unique flavor and unforgettable crowd experiences.
Global Audience Engagement
- Millions of cricket fans around the world followed the tournament, showing the Champions Trophy’s global appeal and popularity.