Champions Trophy 2025: Schedule, prize money, tournament format; all you need to know
A revival and a return — that just about sums up the next big cricket tournament which will play out from Wednesday, February 19. The ICC Champions Trophy, once dubbed the 'Mini World Cup,' resurfaces after an eight-year sabbatical. And while we are on the subject of comebacks, Pakistan too makes a return to hosting a global cricket event after a long and agonising wait of 29 years.
After undergoing a number of changes since the tournament's inaugural edition in 1998, the event went off the radar after the 2017 edition. But the powers that be at the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to reinstate the tournament in 2025.
And here we are then, in a non-World Cup year, with a 'Mini World Cup,' to keep cricket fans entertained over the next fortnight. Here's a rundown of the tournament format, the big bucks involved and everything that a cricket fans needs to know about the Champions Trophy 2025:
What are the dates for the tournament?
The tournament begins on Wednesday, February 19, and runs till March 9.
Where is the tournament being played?
Pakistan are the original hosts of the tournament and are holding a big cricket event after the 1996 World Cup, which it had co-hosted with neighbours India and Sri Lanka. This year's Champions Trophy matches will be played in both Pakistan and the UAE.
Why is the UAE hosting matches?
India's refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan due to the political tensions between the two countries has meant adopting a hybrid model with the former playing all its matches in Dubai in the UAE.
Which are the venues?
Matches will be played at four venues — Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
How many teams are competing in the tournament?
Eight teams — defending champions Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Afghanistan and Bangladesh — are taking part in the tournament.
How did the ICC decide on eight teams?
The top seven teams from the 2023 World Cup held in India earned qualification along with automatic qualification for hosts Pakistan.
What is the format?
The eight teams have been divided two groups with each team playing the other in their group. The top two teams from both the groups will qualify for the semifinals. Lahore has been pencilled in to host the final on March 9, but if India make it all the way to the title tilt, the final will be played in Dubai. There will be reserve days for both the semifinals and the final.
How do the two groups look like?
Group A has arch-rivals Pakistan, India, perennial dark horse New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B has Ashes rivals Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan.
What is the prize money for the tournament?
The competition carries a total prize purse of $6.9 million, a 53% increase from the previous edition held in 2017. The winners will take home $2.24 million, while the runners-up will receive $1.12 million.
Do only the winners and runners-up get prize money?
No. The two losing semifinalists will get to fly home with $560,000 while the teams that finish fifth and sixth will get $350,000. The seventh and eighth-placed teams will receive $140,000.
Is there any incentive for wins in the group stage?
Yes. Each win in the group stage is worth $34,000. That aside, all eight teams will get $125,000 each for competing in the tournament.
Which are the matches to watch out for?
Without a shadow of a doubt, the pièce de résistance is the blockbuster encounter between India and Pakistan at the 'Ring of Fire' — the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.
That aside, the clash between Australia and their old nemesis England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the venue of the 1996 World Cup final, on Saturday, February 22, is another match to watch out for.
Having said that though, if you are those really passionate fans who eat, breathe and sleep cricket, then all matches are a must-watch.
How and where to watch the matches if you are in the UAE?
If you are one of the really lucky ones to have got hold of tickets for the 'big game' — India vs Pakistan, we don't need to tell you what to do. But if you couldn't get any, you can watch it from the comforts of your home as it will be shown live on CricLife Max, CricLife Max2 and live streamed on STARZPLAY. If you plan to head out to watch the game, here are some good spots that you can check out.
How to get to the stadium in Dubai to watch India matches?
You can drive to the stadium or take a cab. However, with limited parking spaces, it would wise to ride the bus as there is no direct Metro access to the venue at the moment.
You can get on Bus F34 from Dubai Internet City bus station to the stadium and the travel time is about 20 minutes. From the Dubai Cricket Stadium bus stop, it is a seven-minute walk to the venue. Check RTA for bus timings.
You can also ride F37 from Mall of the Emirates bus station. It takes about 35 minutes to the Arena Tower stop at Dubai Sports City. From there, it is a 20-minute walk to the stadium. F37 operates from Sunday to Friday. Check RTA for the timings.
Schedule (All matches 1pm UAE time)
February 19: Pakistan v New Zealand (Karachi)
February 20: Bangladesh v India (Dubai)
February 21: Afghanistan v South Africa (Karachi)
February 22: Australia v England (Lahore)
February 23: Pakistan v India (Dubai)
February 24: Bangladesh v New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
February 25: Australia v South Africa (Rawalpindi)
February 26: Afghanistan v England (Lahore)
February 27: Pakistan v Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
February 28: Afghanistan v Australia (Lahore)
March 1: South Africa v England (Karachi)
March 2: New Zealand v India (Dubai)
March 4: Semifinal 1 (Dubai)
March 5: Semifinal 2 (Lahore)
March 9: Final (Lahore/Dubai)
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