The International Cricket Council (ICC), in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is set to announce the full schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the coming days. An ICC delegation will visit Lahore on November 10 to inspect the arrangements for the tournament venues, as part of the preparations.
Cricket Pakistan reports that the participating countries have already received the schedule, with the official announcement expected around mid-November. The tentative schedule released earlier this year suggests that Pakistan will play New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament on February 19, 2025, in Karachi.
On November 11, during the ICC delegation’s visit, a significant event is likely to take place, featuring key figures from the cricketing world. This could serve as the platform for the official unveiling of the Champions Trophy schedule.
The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups. Group A includes India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and hosts Pakistan, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. However, India’s participation remains uncertain, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns over the security situation in Pakistan due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
Reports suggest that the BCCI is advocating for a hybrid model, similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where some matches will take place in another country. This move aims to address security concerns and ensure India’s participation in the tournament.
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