Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup hybrid models ignore fans' convenience

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy has returned to cricket calendar after eight years but not without causing a massive problem to travelling cricket fans and media persons.

There is no doubt that cricket fans and mediapersons are among the biggest stakeholders in any sport. So their convenience needs to be taken care of.

However, by having hybrid model where both India and Pakistan won’t be touring each other’s country till 2027, the ICC is causing difficulty to the fans and media and other teams.  

While India will be playing all their matches of the Champions Trophy next year in Dubai, Pakistan will play their 2026 T20 World Cup matches in Colombo.

If India reach the final of Champions Trophy, it will be played in Dubai with fans of team playing India having to make a sudden change in travel plans to fly to Dubai.  

“The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B,” said a statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.”

India will play Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai.

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

Feb 19 – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

Feb 20 – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Feb 21 – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

Feb 22 – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Feb 23 – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Feb 24 - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Feb 25 – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Feb 26 – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Feb 27 – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Feb 28 – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Mar 1 – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

Mar 2 – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Mar 4 – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*

Mar 5 – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**

Mar 9 – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

All matches start at 1400 hrs Pakistan Standard Time

* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

*** If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Champions Trophy, Cricket, ICC, India, Pakistan, Dubai, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi