The International Cricket Council on Tuesday announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy. The big encounter featuring India and Pakistan in a group stage clash, will take place in Dubai.
The two teams will lock horns on February 23 in the neutral venue.
After India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, the tournament will now be played in a hybrid model.
The Indian team will not travel to Pakistan and all its matches will be played in the Middle East.
The series will begin with Pakistan and New Zealand facing each other in Karachi on February 9.
The final match of the tournament is scheduled to be played in Karachi on March 9.
However, the venue will be changed to Dubai if India reaches the final.
India will face Bangladesh in their first Champions Trophy match on February 20.
The eight competing teams have been divided into two groups.
Group A of the tournament features current Champions Trophy holders and hosts Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B features Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England and South Africa.
Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore are the three venues in Pakistan where the matches will be held.
Apart from India’s group stage matches, Dubai will also host one semi-final clash.
Groups
Group A – Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B – South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy Schedule
19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai
21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai
24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai
4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai
5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
10 March, Reserve day
