The preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are in full swing in Pakistan. The venues are getting a full makeover as Pakistan aim to leave a good impression on everyone considering this is the first time they are hosting an ICC tournament since 1996 ODI World Cup.

All the matches in the ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, except India matches, one semi-final match and final match (if India qualify) which will take place in UAE. That said, it's Pakistan who is under pressure to deliver a quality tournament.

Pakistan Shifts The Tri-Nation Series To New Venues

Before the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host a tri-nation series, involving New Zealand and South Africa. Originally, the series was set to be played in Multan, but the PCB announced on Wednesday that the series will now be played in Karachi and Lahore.

Also Read: PCB Provided Update On Stadiums

This development came amidst rumors that the re-work on stadiums in Karachi and Lahore, where Champions Trophy 2025 matches will be held, is behind schedule, with some claiming that only 50% work has been done till now. But the tri-nation series will give Pakistan a chance to show everyone that the work is indeed on track.

“Given the advanced stage of preparations at Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to move the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues,” the PCB claimed.

When Will ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Start?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan and the opening match will be played between host nation Pakistan and New Zealand on February at National Stadium Karachi. Pakistan are the defending champions having won the competition back in 2017, beating arch-rival India in the mega final.

Following the first match, India will be in action in the 2nd game against neighbor Bangladesh. For the uninitiated, all of India's matches will be played in Dubai, including one semifinal match. The final will also be held outside Pakistan in case India make it to the final match.