India will play all their league matches in the Champions Trophy in Dubai, with the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled for February 23, as announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday. (More Cricket News)
India will also play their semifinal and final matches in Dubai if they qualify.
As has been customary in ICC events, India and Pakistan are in the same group, which also includes New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England.
The tournament will kick off in Karachi on February 19, with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand, and the final is set to take place on March 9.
The much-anticipated tournament schedule was revealed after a deadlock regarding the hosting arrangements was resolved, with the ICC agreeing to host India's games at a neutral venue, as previously requested. A similar arrangement for Pakistan will apply for ICC events in India until 2027.
India will start their campaign with the first group-stage match against Bangladesh on 20 February at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE. Then they will face the arch-rivals after three days.
After a break of six days, Men In Blue will face New Zealand in their third group-stage match at the same venue on 2nd March.
If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in the first semi-final set to be played in Dubai on 4th March. There is a reserve day for two semi-final matches and the final.
The second semi-final match will be played in Lahore on 5th March with a reserve day kept. The final will be played in Lahore as well on 9th March if India fail to qualify. But, if India qualify for the final, then the match will be played in Dubai.
Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore are three venues in Pakistan. Each venue has been granted three group-stage matches. Lahore will host the second semi-final and Final (if India fail to qualify).
