Champions Trophy Schedule Announced: Bangladesh Faces Tough Opponents
After much drama, the schedule for the Champions Trophy has been announced, presenting Bangladesh with challenging opponents. On the second day of the tournament, Bangladesh will face India in Dubai. Additionally, the tournament will proceed under a hybrid model, following the conditions agreed upon by India and Pakistan.
The schedule was announced on Tuesday, December 24, at evening Bangladesh time.
The eight-team competition will kick off on February 19 and conclude with the final on March 9. A total of 15 matches will be played across four venues: three in Pakistan—Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi—and one in Dubai.
The eight teams are divided into two groups. Bangladesh is in Group A, along with India, New Zealand, and hosts Pakistan. Group B comprises Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Although the tournament was initially planned to be held entirely in Pakistan, India refused to travel to the country due to political tensions. Following several discussions, Pakistan agreed to host India’s matches at a neutral venue. Dubai was chosen as the neutral location.
Bangladesh’s matches in Group A:
February 20: Against India (Dubai)
February 24: Against New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
February 27: Against Pakistan (Rawalpindi)
Other key matches:
February 23: India vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
Group B matches will begin on February 21 with South Africa facing Afghanistan, followed by a high-voltage clash between Australia and England on February 22.
The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with reserve days in place for both matches. The final will take place on March 9 in Lahore. However, if India qualifies, the final will be held in Dubai, with March 10 set as the reserve day.
Full Schedule:
February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
February 20: India vs. Bangladesh (Dubai)
February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Karachi)
February 22: Australia vs. England (Lahore)
February 23: India vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
February 25: Australia vs. South Africa (Rawalpindi)
February 26: Afghanistan vs. England (Lahore)
February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia (Lahore)
March 1: South Africa vs. England (Karachi)
March 2: New Zealand vs. India (Dubai)
March 4: Semifinal 1 (Dubai)
March 5: Semifinal 2 (Lahore)
March 9: Final (Lahore; in Dubai if India qualifies)
March 10: Reserve day for the final.
This tournament promises high-intensity cricket, with all teams vying for the coveted trophy.
