ICC Champions Trophy 2025 rules, format, and groups

Ask any cricket fan, and the chances are high that he or she would rate the ODI World Cup as the highest title in the pecking order. Undoubtedly, the competition is as tight and skillful across the formats, but the 50-over format enjoys a unique spot in the audience's minds. While the World Cup lies further ahead, the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy brings ODIs back into focus. Returning after eight years, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle as the top eight teams fight for the title. Defending champions Pakistan are set to host the tournament, with arch-rivals India playing their matches in Dubai. Meanwhile, the ICC has set some ground rules for the short tournament, ensuring an exciting and definitive run of the marquee event.

Rules for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence on February 19, with Pakistan playing New Zealand in the opening clash at the National Stadium, Karachi. The rules for this season have witnessed some updates from the last time the teams played. Firstly, the powerplay has been extended to 12 overs compared to the 10 noted previously. Moreover, the teams have the option to opt for a floating powerplay anywhere between the 30th and 40th overs. Moving ahead, the fielding restrictions have grown stricter this season in the middle overs. With limited players allowed near the boundaries, the thrill is anticipated to rise in the marquee event.

Moreover, super overs have been made available in the group stage matches this time. Taking a stricter stance on ensuring a definitive outcome, any tied match in the tournament will be decided by a super over. Furthermore, a concussion substitute will be available in case of any injury during play, safeguarding the players. To reiterate, each bowler will be allowed to bowl up to 10 overs in a match, with modern technologies like DRS, ultra-edge, and ball-tracking all available. Additionally, the DLS method will determine the outcome of a match if weather causes disruptions.

Groups and Format for the ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy will follow the round-robin format, with the eight teams divided into two groups of four each. Each team will play every other team in its group once at the group stage, with stakes at an all-time high. A heavy defeat could be enough to rule a team out of trophy contention. Meanwhile, both the semi-finals and the final have been allotted reserve days.

The first semi-final is scheduled in Dubai, and if India qualifies, it will play in the first semi-final. The second semi-final is set to take place in Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium. Furthermore, if India reaches the final, the ultimate clash will be played in Dubai. However, if the 2013 champions fail to qualify, the ICC Champions Trophy final will be played in Lahore.

Pakistan headline Group A, pitted against India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The tournament starts with the Pakistan vs. New Zealand clash in Karachi. India, meanwhile, begins its campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. Group B, subsequently, features Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, and England. The second group will play all their group-stage matches in Pakistan, with the first fixture set between Afghanistan and South Africa on February 21 in Karachi.

Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand

Group B: Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, England