Everything to know about the 2025 Champions Trophy: Schedule, times, squads, where to watch
After a hiatus of almost eight years, the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return for it ninth edition on Wednesday with a match between host country Pakistan − the defending champions − and New Zealand at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan.
Originally known as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Knockout Trophy, the Champions Trophy is played in in the 50-over/One-Day International format and involves eight teams in two groups. The tournament was played every two years since its inception in 1998 until 2009 after which it was moved to a four-year cycle. The 2021 edition was slated to be hosted by India, but it was replaced with the T20 World Cup, which was played in the UAE, according to ESPN Cricinfo.
All eight teams participating in the tournament have announced their squads and Pakistan enters this year's edition as defending champions, having beaten India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final in London. This tournament also marks the first time Pakistan will host its first global cricket tournament since 1996.
“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan," Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement. "We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike."
“Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all," he added.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming tournament, including which teams are playing, schedule and how to watch in the U.S.
Watch ICC Champions Trophy on Sling
When is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Dates, time
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will take place between Feb. 19 and March 9 in Pakistan and UAE.
All matches are scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. local time / 4 a.m. EST, except for the final, which is set for March 9 at 5 a.m. EDT.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venues
Matches will be played at the following stadiums in Pakistan:
- National Stadium, Karachi
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Matches involving India, meanwhile, will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which was chosen as a neutral venue.
Which countries are participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The eight teams participating in the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy include:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Pakistan
- New Zealand
- Afghanistan
- England
- Australia
- South Africa
Watch 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Sling
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule
Here's the full schedule of matchups and locations for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup:
- Feb. 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
- Feb. 20: Bangladesh vs. India (Dubai)
- Feb. 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Karachi)
- Feb. 22: Australia vs. England (Lahore)
- Feb. 23: Pakistan vs. India (Dubai)
- Feb. 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
- Feb. 25: Australia vs. South Africa (Rawalpindi)
- Feb. 26: Afghanistan vs. England (Lahore)
- Feb 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
- Feb 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia (Lahore)
- March 1: South Africa vs. England (National Stadium, Karachi)
- March 2: New Zealand vs. India (Dubai)
- March 4: Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
- March 5: Semi-final 2 (Lahore)
- March 9: Final, Lahore (unless India is playing in which case the final will be held in Dubai)
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 prize money
The prize money for the winners of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is $2.24 million as per the ICC. The total prize pool for the tournament has increased by 53% from the 2017 edition, totaling approximately $6.9 million, says the council.
Here's a breakdown of the prize money:
- 2025 Champions Trophy Winner: $2.24 million
- Runners-up: $1.12 million
- Teams that lose in the semi-finals: $560,000 per team
- Teams at 5th and 6th position: $350,000 each
- Teams at 7th and 8th position: $140,000 each
- Each group stage win: $34,000
When is India vs. Pakistan?
The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is on Feb. 23 and will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: How to watch matches in the US on TV, streaming
The ICC has announced Willow TV as its official streaming and broadcaster in the U.S. and Canada. You can access Willow TV via streamers like Sling.
Fans can also stream the game across devices on the Cricbuzz app, while the live score will be available to view on the Cricbuzz website.
Looking for reliable streaming options? Check out Paste BN Home Internet for broadband service plans in your area.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 anthem
The official anthem of the T20 Cricket World Cup titled "Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke" has been sung by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, produced by Abdullah Siddiqui and written by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad.
The music video "celebrates Pakistan’s rich culture, showcasing its vibrant streets, markets and stadiums, while capturing the spirit of cricket fans across the globe," according to ICC.
Who are the previous winners of the Champions Trophy?
Previous winners of the tournament include:
- 1998: South Africa
- 2000: New Zealand
- 2002: India and Sri Lanka declared co-champions after two washed out finals
- 2004: West Indies
- 2006: Australia
- 2009: Australia
- 2013: India
- 2017: Pakistan
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Paste BN Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.