ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins with host nation and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. This edition marks a historic moment for Pakistan, as it is the first major ICC event hosted by the country in nearly three decades.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand in the first match of the Champions Trophy 2025.
The tournament features eight of the best ODI teams, divided into two groups. Group A includes arch-rivals India and Pakistan, along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B consists of Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Due to ongoing political tensions and security concerns, India will play all its matches in Dubai under a hybrid model, while the rest of the competition will be held across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. If India qualifies for the final, the match will be played in Dubai; otherwise, it will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will be the India vs. Pakistan group-stage clash, scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The fixture is expected to draw massive global viewership.
New Zealand, coming into the tournament with momentum after recently defeating Pakistan in a tri-nation final at the same venue, will look to capitalize on their form in the opening match. Pakistan will look to gain a measure of revenge against New Zealand for the recently-concluded Tri-Series final loss when the two sides meet once again In the Champions Trophy opener.
Full Tournament Schedule:
| Match No. | Teams | Venue | Date | Time (IST) |
| 1 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 19 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 2 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 20 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 3 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | 21 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 4 | Australia vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 22 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 5 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 23 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 6 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 24 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 7 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 25 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 8 | Afghanistan vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 26 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 9 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 27 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 10 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 28 Feb | 2:30 PM |
| 11 | South Africa vs. England | National Stadium, Karachi | 1 Mar | 2:30 PM |
| 12 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 2 Mar | 2:30 PM |
| 13 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium* | 4 Mar | 2:30 PM |
| 14 | Semi-final 2 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore** | 5 Mar | 2:30 PM |
| 15 | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore*** | 9 Mar | 2:30 PM |
(*If India qualifies, Semi-final 1 will feature India; **If Pakistan qualifies, Semi-final 2 will feature Pakistan; ***If India qualifies for the final, it will be played in Dubai.)
With Pakistan looking to defend their title on home soil and India aiming to make a statement despite playing overseas, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises high-voltage action.
