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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is set to begin on February 19, with an electrifying opener between Pakistan and New Zealand. As teams prepare for this highly anticipated tournament, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced the official schedule for the warm-up matches, set to take place from February 14 to 17.
Champions Trophy 2025: Complete schedule and fixture details
The PCB has taken an active role in ensuring that teams participating in warm-up matches receive adequate match practice by fielding three different Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) squads for these fixtures. These matches will not only serve as a test for visiting teams but will also provide young Pakistani cricketers with exposure against international competition.
The warm-ups will commence on February 14 in Lahore, where Shadab Khan will lead a Pakistan Shaheens side against Afghanistan in a highly anticipated clash. Afghanistan, known for its talented spin attack, will use this match to gauge their readiness for the conditions ahead of the main tournament.
On February 16, New Zealand will face Afghanistan in Karachi, giving both teams a chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses before the Champions Trophy begins. The final warm-up day, February 17, will feature two simultaneous fixtures—one in Karachi, where Mohammad Hurraira’s Pakistan Shaheens will take on South Africa, and another in Dubai, where Mohammad Haris will lead the Shaheens against Bangladesh.
With New Zealand and South Africa already in Pakistan for a tri-nation ODI series, these warm-up games will provide a seamless transition into the Champions Trophy for both teams. This tri-series, which includes Pakistan, will serve as additional match practice, allowing them to fine-tune their playing strategies in conditions similar to those expected during the tournament.
| Date | Match | Venue | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Afghanistan | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Day-Night |
| 16 Feb 2025 | New Zealand vs Afghanistan | National Stadium, Karachi | Day-Night |
| 17 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | Day-Night |
| 17 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh | ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai | Day-Night |
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India, England, and Australia opt out of warm-ups
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches is the decision by India, England, and Australia to skip these fixtures. India, in particular, will play all of its group-stage matches in Dubai, a move dictated by geopolitical considerations, making its absence from warm-up games even more significant. England and Australia have potentially decided to relying on their own preparatory methods rather than participating in competitive warm-up fixtures.
For other teams, these warm-up matches will be crucial in getting a feel for the conditions. With Pakistan expected to offer fast-bowler-friendly tracks and Dubai likely to produce spin-heavy conditions, understanding how to adjust to these contrasting surfaces could play a vital role in determining success in the main tournament.
