Champions Trophy 2025: Rizwan says Pakistan hosting matches a 'significant milestone', Jay Shah 'excited' for tournament

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the men’s team’s limited-overs captain Mohammad Rizwan welcomed the ICC’s decision to conduct the 2025 Champions Trophy in a hybrid model. Days after it was confirmed that next year’s Champions Trophy would take place in a hybrid mode l, the ICC officially announced the two groups and the full schedule of the tournament.

Pakistan will host New Zealand in the tournament-opener in Karachi on 19 February, with the final to be played on 9 March. India, who have refused to travel to Pakistan, will play all their matches in Dubai . The all-important India vs Pakistan match will take place in Dubai on 23 February.

‘Pleased that an agreement has been reached’: Naqvi 

“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” Naqvi said via a PCB press release. Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.

The final, which has a reserve day, will take place in Lahore unless India qualify, in which case the summit clash will be held in Dubai. Naqvi said that Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone. “Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organiser,” he said.

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Rizwan said that Pakistan were looking forward to hosting the eight-team tournament. “As a cricket-loving country, we are all very excited to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is a great occasion as Pakistan welcomes the first ICC event to its shores in 28 years, especially as we are the defending champions,” he stated.

ICC chairman Jay Shah excited for Champions Trophy to begin

Jay Shah, the new chairman of the ICC, said that he was looking forward to the Champions Trophy next year. “Very excited for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy to start in February,” he posted on “X”.

Very excited for the @ICC Men's Champions Trophy to start in February. https://t.co/nJmRai24UI

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 24, 2024

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India are in Group A for the 2025 Champions Trophy along with Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B consists of Australia, England, South Africa and debutants Afghanistan.

India will commence their campaign against Bangladesh on 20 February, before locking horns against Pakistan three day later. India will play their final group match against New Zealand on 2 March.