ICC Champions Trophy Host

The ICC Champions Trophy, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the ODI format. The tournament features eight teams, divided into two groups. Each team plays three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals face off in the final, where the champion is determined.

As of February 2025, seven countries have won the ICC Champions Trophy. South Africa took home the first-ever title, while India and Australia have won it twice each. New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Pakistan have all claimed the trophy once. Australia need a special mention, being the only team to win the tournament in consecutive years, taking the title in 2006 and 2009. On the other hand, England, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Ireland are the only Test-playing nations yet to lift the prestigious trophy.

Hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy

The first edition of the tournament, originally called the ICC Knockout Trophy, took place in Bangladesh in 1998. The second edition followed in Kenya in 2000 when these nations were still Associate members of the ICC. In 2002, the tournament was rebranded as the ICC Champions Trophy and continued to be held every two years until 2009, with events hosted in Sri Lanka, England, India, and South Africa. After 2009, the tournament shifted to a four-year cycle, with editions in England and Wales in 2013 and 2017. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be jointly hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Host: United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, returning after an eight-year break. This edition will be jointly hosted by the defending champions, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tournament will be divided into two groups: Group A includes Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.

Involving eight teams in total, the tournament will feature 15 matches, including 12 group-stage games, two semifinals, and a final. The action will unfold at some of the most iconic stadiums in Pakistan, with matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, Dubai will host the matches scheduled to take place in the UAE.

The tournament will kick off with a thrilling opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi's National Bank Stadium on February 19. The first semi-final will be on March 4 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, followed by the second semi-final on March 5 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Dubai will also host three group-stage matches featuring India. If India makes it to the final, the match will be held in Dubai. However, if they don't, the final will be moved to Lahore on March 9.