Wed Dec 25 00:52:18 UTC 2024: ## India to Face Pakistan in ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

**Dubai, UAE –** The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the groups, draw, and schedule for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

India has been drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Their opening match will be against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23rd at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a neutral venue. India will play all its group stage matches in Dubai. They will face Bangladesh on February 20th and New Zealand on March 2nd.

Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.

The tournament kicks off on February 19th in Karachi with a match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for March 4th (Dubai) and March 5th (Lahore). The final will be played on March 9th in Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be held in Dubai. Reserve days are in place for both semi-finals and the final.

This will be the first ICC global cricket tournament hosted by Pakistan since 1996. The last Champions Trophy was won by Pakistan in 2017.

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