Today, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the dates for the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
In addition to the UAE being confirmed as the neutral venue, defending champions Pakistan will host their first global cricket tournament since 1996 as the 15-match, eight-team competition makes its first appearance on the cricket calendar since its last staging in 2017, according to an ICC press release.
Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan will form Group A in the exciting 19-day competition, where every match counts in the pursuit of the coveted Champions Trophy white jackets. Group B will consist of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.
In Pakistan, the matches will be held at stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi; in the United Arab Emirates, the matches will be held in Dubai.
On February 20, the second day of the competition, Bangladesh will play India in the opening match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. On February 24, they will play New Zealand, and on February 27, they will host Pakistan. Rawalpindi, Pakistan, will host both of the games.
With the first semi-final set for March 4 in Dubai and the second semi-final set for March 5 in Lahore, the quickfire event brings together the finest of cricket in one spectacular day. The final will take place in Lahore on March 9; however, if India advances, it will take place in Dubai, where the winning team will receive the renowned white jackets. Reserve days will be available for both the semifinals and the final.
