The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with matches being held in Pakistan and Dubai. However, the pre-tournament captains' meeting has been canceled, according to a report by Cricket Pakistan. This decision was made due to the delayed arrival of certain teams in Pakistan.
Delayed Arrivals Impact Planning
England and Australia will be arriving later than originally planned:
- England will reach Lahore on February 18.
- Australia is set to arrive on February 19, just before the tournament starts.
With these delays, hosting the captains’ meeting before the tournament opener has been deemed impossible.
Tournament Kickoff & India’s Matches in Dubai
The Champions Trophy will officially start on February 19 with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand at National Stadium in Karachi.
India, however, will play all its matches in Dubai. The team is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. India’s match schedule includes:
- February 20 – India vs. Bangladesh
- February 23 – India vs. Pakistan
Opening Ceremony and Stadium Inaugurations
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in partnership with the ICC, has scheduled the Champions Trophy opening ceremony for February 16 in Lahore. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved a series of events leading up to the tournament.
As part of preparations, the PCB will officially inaugurate the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited as the chief guest. Additionally, on February 11, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the reopening of the National Stadium in Karachi.
Uncertainty Over Rohit Sharma’s Attendance
There is still uncertainty over whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma will attend the opening ceremony in Lahore. While the ICC and PCB have not confirmed his attendance, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is hesitant to send him to Pakistan.
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Tournament
As the tournament approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting high-stakes matches, especially the India vs. Pakistan showdown on February 23. India’s decision to play all its matches in Dubai only adds to the intrigue surrounding the event.
