The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is about to start on February 19, with an electrifying opener between Pakistan and New Zealand. As groups put together for this extremely anticipated match, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have introduced the official schedule for the warm-up matches, set to happen from February 14 to 17.
Champions Trophy 2025: Full schedule and fixture particulars
The PCB has taken an lively position in guaranteeing that groups taking part in warm-up matches obtain satisfactory match observe by fielding three completely different Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) squads for these fixtures. These matches won’t solely function a take a look at for visiting groups however can even present younger Pakistani cricketers with publicity towards worldwide competitors.
The nice and cozy-ups will begin on February 14 in Lahore, the place Shadab Khan will lead a Pakistan Shaheens aspect towards Afghanistan in a extremely anticipated conflict. Afghanistan, identified for its gifted spin assault, will use this match to gauge their readiness for the situations forward of the principle match.
On February 16, New Zealand will face Afghanistan in Karachi, giving each groups an opportunity to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses earlier than the Champions Trophy begins. The ultimate warm-up day, February 17, will function two simultaneous fixtures—one in Karachi, the place Mohammad Hurraira’s Pakistan Shaheens will tackle South Africa, and one other in Dubai, the place Mohammad Haris will lead the Shaheens towards Bangladesh.
With New Zealand and South Africa already in Pakistan for a tri-nation ODI collection, these warm-up video games will present a seamless transition into the Champions Trophy for each groups. This tri-series, which incorporates Pakistan, will function extra match observe, permitting them to fine-tune their enjoying methods in situations just like these anticipated in the course of the match.
| Date | Match | Venue | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Afghanistan | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Day-Evening |
| 16 Feb 2025 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | Nationwide Stadium, Karachi | Day-Evening |
| 17 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs South Africa | Nationwide Stadium, Karachi | Day-Evening |
| 17 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh | ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai | Day-Evening |
Additionally READ: Michael Vaughan picks his favourite team for the Champions Trophy 2025
India, England, and Australia choose out of warm-ups
One of many greatest speaking factors surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches is the choice by India, England, and Australia to skip these fixtures. India, particularly, will play all of its group-stage matches in Dubai, a transfer dictated by geopolitical concerns, making its absence from warm-up video games much more important. England and Australia have doubtlessly determined to counting on their very own preparatory strategies fairly than taking part in aggressive warm-up fixtures.
For different groups, these warm-up matches will probably be essential in getting a really feel for the situations. With Pakistan anticipated to supply fast-bowler-friendly tracks and Dubai more likely to produce spin-heavy situations, understanding tips on how to modify to those contrasting surfaces may play a significant position in figuring out success in the principle match.
