The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the preliminary schedule for the Champions Trophy, expected to commence on February 19.
The opening ceremony is likely to take place in Karachi, with the first match scheduled between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19.
According to sources, Pakistan’s second match will be against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24, while the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is set for March 1 in Dubai.
The first semi-final of the Champions Trophy will be held on March 5, and the second on March 6, with the final scheduled for March 9. If India qualifies for the semi-finals and finals, these matches will be played in Dubai; otherwise, they will take place in Lahore.
The first match at Lahore’s new Gaddafi Stadium will feature Australia and England on February 22. Afghanistan and England will face off at the same venue on February 25.
As per the initial schedule, Australia and South Africa will play in Rawalpindi on February 26. Bangladesh and New Zealand will meet at Gaddafi Stadium on February 27, and Afghanistan and Australia will clash in Rawalpindi on February 28.
India’s first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by their second match against New Zealand in Dubai on February 23. The group stage will conclude with a match between South Africa and England in Rawalpindi on March 2.
