India and Pakistan to face off in Champions Trophy 2028 in Dubai on February 23

Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, revealing that arch-rivals India and Pakistan will clash in Dubai on February 23.

All of India’s matches in the tournament, including potential semi-finals and the final, will also be held in Dubai.

India and Pakistan are grouped in Group A alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England.

The tournament will open with a match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9.

Of the 15 matches in the tournament, at least 10 will be held in Pakistan, with Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi serving as key venues. The second semi-final is set to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 and conclude the group stage with a match against New Zealand on March 2. Group B fixtures start on February 21 with Afghanistan facing South Africa in Karachi.

India’s decision to play all matches in Dubai stems from their refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed 150 lives. The ICC has reserved days for the semi-finals and final to accommodate any delays.