ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India Set to Face Pakistan in Dubai

The ICC has announced the fixtures for the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India will face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. The tournament will take place from February 19 to March 9, divided between Pakistan and the UAE, with significant political context influencing venue decisions. Pakistan is the defending champion, and the tournament will be held in Pakistan for the first time since 1996.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the fixtures for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, revealing that India will compete against Pakistan in Dubai on February 23. This prestigious eight-team tournament will take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Pakistan, the reigning champions, and India are grouped with New Zealand and Bangladesh in Group A, with England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan in Group B.

The tournament will kick off on February 19 in Karachi with the match between Pakistan and New Zealand, followed by India’s encounter against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. Due to ongoing political tensions, India will play all its group matches and the first semi-final in the UAE, while Lahore will host the final on March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case it will also be held in Dubai.

England is scheduled to start its campaign against Australia in Lahore on February 22, continuing with matches against Afghanistan and South Africa on February 26 and March 1, respectively. This will mark Pakistan’s first time hosting a global cricket event since 1996, and they are set to stage the women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 under similar neutral venue arrangements.

Under an agreement with the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Pakistan will also play at neutral venues for any events hosted by India until 2027. Notably, India and Pakistan have not faced each other outside of men’s major tournaments since 2013, and India has not played a match in Pakistan since 2008.

The ICC Champions Trophy is a significant cricket tournament featuring numerous international teams, held every few years. Its 2025 edition showcases the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan, which adds intrigue given their tense political relationship. The venue choice of Dubai for India’s matches underscores this contention, as India declined to travel to Pakistan. With Pakistan being the host country for this tournament, it is crucial for them to successfully manage these arrangements.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a highly anticipated cricket event, particularly with the inclusion of the India-Pakistan match in Dubai. The tournament’s structure, with group stages featuring formidable teams and the potential for significant political ramifications, highlights both the sporting and contemporary relevance of cricket. As the tournament approaches, the dynamics between the competing nations will continue to capture global attention.

Original Source: www.bbc.com