The ICC has announced that India will face Pakistan in Dubai on February 23, 2025, during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This eight-team tournament will run from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai. Due to political tensions, India’s matches are set to take place in the UAE, except for the final, which may shift to Dubai if India qualifies.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the fixtures for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, revealing that India will face Pakistan in Dubai on February 23, 2025. This prestigious eight-team tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, with matches held in Pakistan and the neutral venue of Dubai. Defending champions Pakistan will share Group A with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan comprise Group B.
The tournament will kick off with Pakistan playing against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, followed by India taking on Bangladesh in Dubai the next day. Due to ongoing political tensions, India opted not to participate in matches hosted in Pakistan; hence, all of its group fixtures, along with the first semi-final scheduled for March 4, will be played in the United Arab Emirates. Should India qualify for the final, that match, set for March 9 in Lahore, will also be relocated to Dubai.
In an interesting twist, England will commence their campaign against Australia in Lahore on February 22 before facing Afghanistan and South Africa subsequently. This marks a significant occasion as it will be the first global event hosted by Pakistan since 1996. In compliance with an agreement established between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the ICC, all matches hosted by India until 2027 will witness Pakistan play at neutral venues.
Notably, India and Pakistan have not competed outside of major men’s tournaments since 2013, and India has not set foot in Pakistan for a match since 2008. The group allocations for the tournament indicate a thrilling competition on the horizon, with both traditional rivals aiming for supremacy in the exhilarating realm of cricket.
The ICC Champions Trophy is a premier international cricket tournament contested by eight teams, typically taking place every four years. The 2025 edition holds particular significance as it is being hosted in Pakistan, a country that has not conducted a global cricket event since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The tournament’s main focus will be to elevate the cricketing stature of Pakistan while creating opportunities for its teams to compete against global cricketing powers, including traditional rivals such as India. Given the complex political history and relations between India and Pakistan, the logistics surrounding the tournament, particularly the choice of venues, have garnered significant attention and are crucial in determining participation.
In summary, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises a captivating competition, notably featuring the high-stakes face-off between India and Pakistan in Dubai. The tournament, marking a momentous occasion for Pakistan as a host, is structured with a keen focus on political sensitivities, leading to a unique set of logistics involving neutral venues for certain matches. As cricket enthusiasts globally await this event, the anticipation surrounding these matchups is palpable.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
