The 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy starts today (Wednesday) with the host nation Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the first game at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Seven out of the eight competing nations will play in Pakistan, with India being the only country to play its games at Dubai under the hybrid model. With the arch-rivals being put in the same group, the big India versus Pakistan group stage game will be held on Sunday (February 23) at Dubai. Also joining the Asian giants in Group A are New Zealand and Bangladesh.
India decide not to go to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa are in Group B. Only two teams from each group makes it to the semis. All matches in the ICC Champions Trophy will start at 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time (14.30 IST).
If India qualify for the semis, semi-final 1 will involve India. If Pakistan qualify, semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan. With India refusing to travel to Pakistan for security and political reasons, should India qualify for the Champions Trophy final, it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Otherwise, it will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
