ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Schedule, Venues, and Top Contenders

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be the ninth edition of the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy, a One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament. Organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the event will feature the top eight ranked men’s teams from the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan will proudly host the tournament from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone for cricket in the country. As the defending champions, having won the last edition in 2017, Pakistan will aim to showcase its cricketing excellence on home soil.

Host

Pakistan was confirmed as the host of the ICC Champions Trophy on November 16, 2021. This marks a historic moment, as it will be the first global cricket tournament hosted in Pakistan since the unfortunate 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. The last major international event held in Pakistan was the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which the country co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.

India’s participation

In November 2023, during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials approached the ICC Executive Board to address concerns about India’s participation. The PCB highlighted the need for compensation if India refused to play in Pakistan due to political and security concerns. They proposed a “hybrid model,” where India’s matches would be held at a neutral venue to ensure their involvement in the tournament.

In November 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially informed the ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan, citing their government’s refusal due to security concerns. After extensive negotiations, Pakistan agreed to the hybrid model, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the success of the tournament. Under this arrangement, Pakistan will host all other matches, while India’s games will take place at a neutral venue. This compromise highlights Pakistan’s dedication to showcasing its hosting capabilities while maintaining the spirit of international cricket.

Teams Qualified

The following teams have qualified for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy based on their rankings at the conclusion of the 2023 Cricket World Cup:

• Pakistan (Host and defending champion)
• India
• Australia
• England
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Afghanistan

This lineup represents the top eight cricketing nations, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament.

Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

*(This schedule is subject to change)

Champions Trophy 2025 Venues and Match Allocation

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place at the following venues:

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Venues

1. Gaddafi Stadium – Lahore
2. National Stadium – Karachi
3. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – Rawalpindi
4. Multan Cricket Stadium – Multan

Champions Trophy 2025 Venues Allocation

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan, with matches scheduled at the following venues:

• Gaddafi Stadium – Lahore: 4
• National Stadium – Karachi: 4
• Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – Rawalpindi: 3
• Multan Cricket Stadium – Multan: 3
• Dubai International Cricket Stadium: 4 

Champions Trophy 2025 Teams and Favorites

The top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings at the cut-off date will qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Based on current rankings and past performances, the following teams are expected to feature prominently in the tournament:

India: As a two-time Champions Trophy winner, India is always a favorite in ICC events. Their strong batting and bowling make them a formidable opponent. After losing the title in 2017, they will be eager to reclaim the trophy.

Australia: Known for their dominance in global cricket, particularly in ICC tournaments, Australia has won the Champions Trophy twice (2006, 2009). With a powerful bowling attack and aggressive batting, they will always be a top contender.

Pakistan: The defending champions, Pakistan will be looking to repeat their 2017 success. Known for their unpredictability, they can be dangerous in limited-overs cricket, and they will be keen to defend their title.

England: With their aggressive style of cricket, especially in white-ball formats, England is one of the favorites for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Their strong all-round team makes them a major contender.

New Zealand: Often considered the dark horse in ICC tournaments, New Zealand has a consistent record of reaching the knockout stages. With a balanced squad and solid leadership, they will be tough competitors in 2025.

South Africa: South Africa’s depth in both batting and bowling gives them a competitive edge in the tournament. They will aim to make a strong impact and challenge the top teams.

Other teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan will also be striving to secure qualification and make their mark in the competition.

As we eagerly await the final schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the excitement surrounding the tournament grows stronger each day. With the world’s top cricket teams set to compete for the prestigious title, fans can look forward to high-quality cricket, thrilling matches, and unforgettable moments. Whether the tournament takes place in Pakistan or another venue, the 2025 Champions Trophy is sure to be a cricketing spectacle that will captivate fans around the world. Stay tuned for official updates on the final schedule and venue confirmations as the tournament approaches.