Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday that Pakistan will simplify its visa policy for cricket fans during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Addressing the Champions T20 Cup’s concluding ceremony, he stated, “Visa policy for cricket fans across the world will be eased during the ICC Champions Trophy.”
The announcement followed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) reveal of fixtures and groups for the event. Starting on February 19, 2025, in Karachi, the tournament promises an exciting lineup.
Pakistan and the UAE will host the 2025 Champions Trophy following a “hybrid model” proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). ICC introduced the setup after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan.
Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will each host three group-stage games. Lahore will feature in the second semi-final and the final, except if India qualifies, in which case the final will move to Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will include reserve days to manage any delays.
Attaullah Tarar commended the PCB for its performance, emphasising that it is fulfilling its duties effectively. Referring to India’s decision, he insisted, “Sports should be kept out of politics.”
Tournament Groups and Fixtures
Pakistan will open the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. Group matches involving India, including the first semi-final, will take place in Dubai. Fans can look forward to the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash on February 23.
Group A Teams: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B Teams: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy schedule
February 19, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh v India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia v England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan v India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan v England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa v England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand v India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, when it will be played in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve day
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