India will play their all matches in the UAE. The decision, though widely expected, was finalised after Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, met with Sheikh Nahyan al Mubarak in Pakistan. Sheikh Nahyan is a senior UAE minister and also the head of the Emirates Cricket Board.

"The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy," PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said to ESPNCricinfo.

The tournament will kick off on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi.

Group A matches involving Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand (excluding India games) will be hosted across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Bangladesh will face Pakistan on February 27 in Rawalpindi,

The Pakistan vs India first-round game will be played on February 23, a Sunday, likely in the UAE.

The tournament’s semi-finals are slated for March 4 and 5, with the final scheduled for March 9 in Lahore. However, if India reaches the final, the match will be relocated to Dubai.

Group B features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa, with their matches taking place in Pakistan.

Champions Trophy 2025 groups

Group A - Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand
Group B - Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa