International Sports

ICC announces schedule for 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy

Published

2 years ago

December 24, 2024

Last Updated on: January 7, 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B.

The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.

The Champions Trophy begins with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19 February – the opening day of the event – in Karachi. Other key match-ups include Bangladesh taking on India on the second day of the competition in Dubai and Afghanistan facing South Africa on 21 February in Karachi.

On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.

The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament’s much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.

“This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: “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.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.

“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 organizer. 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.”

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

9 Mar – Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time

Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

About the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy

Australia and India are the two most successful sides in the ICC Champions Trophy since its inception in 1998 when it was known as the ICC Knockout Trophy. Both the sides have won the event twice, with Australia being the only side to win back-to-back titles – in 2006 in Mumbai, India, and in 2009 in Centurion, South Africa. India shared the title with hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2002 before winning again in Birmingham, England, in 2014.

Other past winners are South Africa (Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1998), New Zealand (Nairobi, Kenya, 2000), West Indies (The Oval, London, 2004) and Pakistan (The Oval, London, 2017).

Broadcast Rights in Afghanistan

Cricket fans across Afghanistan will be delighted to hear that Ariana Television and Radio Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy live, bringing all the action directly to viewers in Afghanistan.

This will be the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy and it will be hosted in Pakistan.

Related Topics:Afghanistan ArianaNews Cricket fans featured ICC MensChampionsTrophy

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International Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement

In an Instagram post, Ronaldo said he would “hand back the number 7 shirt” following the international break.

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2026

Ariana News

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year career with Portugal.

The 41-year-old forward said on Thursday that he would step away from the national team after Portugal’s November fixtures, signalling the end of an era for one of football’s greatest players.

In an Instagram post, Ronaldo said he would “hand back the number 7 shirt” following the international break.

Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later.

A record-breaking career

Ronaldo retires as the leading goalscorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.

Since making his international debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, he has established himself as one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.

He captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and later helped the team secure UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first player to score at six editions of the men’s tournament. Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions Spain.

Tensions with Portugal coach

Ronaldo’s announcement follows a reported dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus during the September international window.

The forward left the national team camp after being left on the bench against Norway. He subsequently apologised to supporters and teammates but accused the coach of breaking promises regarding his playing time.

Ronaldo had previously indicated that he remained available for selection, even if disciplinary action was taken against him by the Portuguese Football Federation.

He also revealed that he had prepared a retirement letter following the 2026 World Cup but was persuaded to continue by federation president Pedro Proenca.

His decision marks the end of his international career, but not his involvement in professional football. Ronaldo is expected to continue playing at club level for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

International Sports

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 postponed amid regional disruptions

The competition, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, subject to approval by FIFA.

Published

1 week ago

November 3, 2026

Ariana News

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, moving the tournament to December 2027 and January 2028 because of regional developments that have caused logistical challenges and travel disruptions.

The competition, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, subject to approval by FIFA.

The decision followed discussions between the AFC, the tournament’s Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

The AFC said exceptional circumstances affecting preparations and the delivery of the tournament had prompted the change, which was made in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

The governing body did not provide further details about the specific regional disruptions behind the decision.

The AFC thanked Saudi Arabia’s football federation and the organising committee for their continued commitment to hosting the competition.

It also said it would work with participating national associations, sponsors, broadcasters and commercial partners to minimise the impact of the revised schedule.

The tournament will remain in Saudi Arabia, with further updates to be communicated through the AFC’s official channels.

International Sports

Suhail unveiled as official mascot for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar

Published

1 week ago

November 2, 2026

Ariana News

Suhail, inspired by one of the brightest stars in the night sky and deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, has been unveiled as the official mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement comes less than a year before the start of the tournament, the flagship competition of international men’s basketball.

Known as Canopus in Western culture, the Suhail star has guided sailors, nomads and pearl divers across the Gulf region for centuries. It has traditionally been associated with the transition from the intense summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings.

The star holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf traditions, symbolizing the region’s connection with the sea, desert and its cultural heritage.

According to the organizers, the mascot has been designed with inspiration from meteorites. Its crystalline body combines fragments of a star with meteorite metal, representing a connection between the sky and earth, strength and brilliance.

Suhail is expected to play a key role in promoting the tournament and engaging basketball fans of all ages as Qatar prepares to host the 2027 edition. The star is also expected to be visible in the night sky during the competition.

Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications and Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee, said the unveiling marks an important milestone in preparations for the tournament.

He said Suhail reflects Qatar’s cultural identity and rich heritage, while symbolizing the country’s connection to its past and aspirations for the future.

Al Mawlawi added that the mascot will help strengthen engagement with fans and promote the competition in the months ahead.

He also said organizers aim to extend the tournament experience beyond the basketball court, encouraging younger generations to take up the sport and supporting the growth of basketball in Qatar and across the region.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will bring together national teams from around the world in Doha, with Suhail serving as the face of the tournament.