The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19, with Pakistan hosting the tournament under a "hybrid model." However, new developments regarding the Indian team’s selection and tournament preparations have emerged.

Delay in Indian Team Selection

Initially, it was expected that the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar would announce a provisional squad by January 12, following ICC guidelines. However, reports suggest that the announcement may be delayed by a week.

The Indian squad for the tournament is now likely to be revealed on January 18 or 19, just a month before the competition begins.

ICC Delegation Reviews Preparations in Pakistan

An ICC delegation is currently touring Pakistan to inspect the venues and assess preparations for the tournament. As part of their visit, the six-member team, including officials, broadcasters, and logistics personnel, visited Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday to review construction and renovation progress.

Key Matches at Rawalpindi:

Bangladesh vs. New Zealand – February 24

Australia vs. South Africa – February 25

Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – February 27

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, provided a comprehensive update on the stadium’s development. The delegation will also visit Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and has already toured Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where preparations are underway with a deadline of January 25 for completing upgrades.

Tournament Details

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups, competing in 15 matches from February 19 to March 9.

The matches will be hosted across three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as in Dubai.

Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia

Key Matches:

Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand – February 19, Karachi India vs. Pakistan: February 23, Dubai

The ICC's thorough inspections highlight the significance of this tournament as Pakistan gears up to host the Champions Trophy for the first time in nearly three decades. Fans worldwide eagerly await the high-stakes clashes, particularly the India-Pakistan encounter.