Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) finally confirmed that the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) will be played in a hybrid model and revealed that all matches of India and Pakistan in tournaments hosted by each other will take place at a neutral venue, the world cricket governing body has not revealed the schedule of the event despite only two months remaining until the first time.

While the assumption has been that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will act as the second venue of the tournament, a report by Cricbuzz has revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) favours Sri Lanka. It is worth noting that Sri Lanka also co-hosted the 2023 Asia Cup with Pakistan, which was also played in a hybrid model.

However, the same publication states that due to logistical reasons, UAE are likely to get the nod. If the Middle-East nation are awarded the hosting rights, Dubai will host the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash. The Emirates Cricket Ground (ECB) are waiting for a final clearance from the ICC and PCB.

The report also reveals that the UAE will host 10 out of the 15 matches in the tournament, which will include India's three matches in the league stage alongside two knockout matches.

The ICC statement revealed that the full schedule will be announced in the next few days. The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played from February 19 to March 9. The eight-team competition will mark a return after eight years. Pakistan will aim to defend their title on home soil after winning the 2017 edition in England following a victory over arch-rivals India at the Oval in the summit clash.

Alongside India and Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh will take part in the tournament. The top eight teams in the 2023 Cricket World Cup league stage qualified for the tournament.

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