Champions Trophy 2025: Dubai awaits biggest India-Pakistan showdown; ticket details inside
Hybrid format brings cricket's biggest rivalry to UAE's iconic stadium
DUBAI: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on 19 February, marking Pakistan’s long-awaited return as hosts of an ICC event after 29 years.
Featuring eight top teams, the tournament will be played across Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai under a hybrid model due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
India’s group stage matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on 23 February, will be held in Dubai.
Fixtures and key details
Pakistan, the tournament hosts, will play the opening match against New Zealand on 19 February in Karachi.
India’s group fixtures include games against Bangladesh on 20 February, Pakistan on 23 February, and New Zealand on 2 March.
Semi-finals are scheduled in Lahore and Dubai, with the grand finale on 8 March.
Ticket categories and pricing
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced ticket prices for matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while prices for Dubai matches remain pending.
Ticket categories include General Enclosure, First Class, Premium, VIP, and VVIP, catering to a range of budgets.
Karachi matches:
- General Enclosure: PKR 1,000 (INR 310, Dh13 approx)
- First Class: PKR 1,500 (INR 465, Dh20 approx)
- Premium: PKR 3,500 (INR 1,085, Dh46 approx)
- VIP: PKR 7,000 (INR 2,170, Dh92 approx)
- Gallery: PKR 25,000 (INR 7,750, Dh330 approx)
Lahore matches:
- General Enclosure (e.g., Australia vs England): PKR 1,000 (INR 310, Dh13 approx)
- Semi-final: Starting at PKR 2,500 (INR 775, Dh33 approx)
Rawalpindi matches:
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Starting at PKR 2,000 (INR 620, Dh26 approx)
- Other Matches: Starting at PKR 1,000 (INR 310, Dh13 approx)
India-Pakistan match in Dubai
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host the most anticipated fixture of the tournament – India versus Pakistan – on 23 February. Ticket prices for Dubai matches are expected to reflect the venue’s international stature and the clash’s immense demand. Reports suggest hospitality boxes and VIP seats could be priced at a premium, offering fans an unparalleled viewing experience.
The match, held under ICC regulations, will see the PCB managing ticket sales and retaining gate revenues. Reports in media suggest that pricing decisions are still under review by the Emirates Cricket Board and the ICC.
ICC guidelines allow the host nation to keep revenues from gate receipts and hospitality box sales. PCB officials have emphasised that this tournament will highlight Pakistan’s hosting capabilities while contributing significantly to cricketing revenues.
As the tournament approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting final announcements regarding ticket availability and purchasing platforms, particularly for matches in Dubai. The clash of cricketing titans India and Pakistan promises to be the event’s crowning spectacle, drawing fans from across the globe.