The ICC Champions Trophy is back after eight years. To be held in Pakistan and the UAE across February and March, the highly anticipated men’s tournament is going to see 8 cricket teams battle it out for the trophy.
Pakistan has got the hosting rights for CT 2025. But there has been a little bit of change. The latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rules state that all matches featuring the Indian team shall be played at a neutral stadium – the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Till the next ICC Future Tours Program (FTP) – set to end in 2027 – both India and Pakistan are going to play all their matches, including the ones against each other, at neutral stadiums. In Dubai, India shall face Pakistan, Bangladesh and NZ in the group stage.
India’s schedule at ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Date | Match | Time (UAE Time) | Stadium |
February 20 | India vs Bangladesh | 4 pm | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
February 23 | India vs Pakistan | 4 pm | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
March 2 | India vs NZ | 4 pm | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
The latest ICC rules state that if the Indian cricket team qualifies for the semi-final and final matches at the Champions Trophy 2025, a neutral stadium is going to host those clashes. The India vs Pakistan match is the highlight of any tournament, and CT is no exception.
India’s squad announcement for Champions Trophy 2025
Reports suggest KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Jadeja’s presence in the side is not a surety for the Champions Trophy starting February 19. Rohit Sharma appears to be the top pick for the captain position in this tournament. But he needs to express his hunger for runs.
India’s complete squad for CT 2025 is going to be announced soon. Is it going to be the last ICC tournament for Virat Kohli and Sharma? The matches – to be played in ODI format – shall be preceded by a ODI series against England and a T20I series.
Full schedule at ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Date | Match | Timing | Stadium |
February 19 | Pakistan vs NZ | 4 pm | Karachi |
February 20 | India vs Bangladesh | 4 pm | Dubai |
February 21 | Afghanistan vs SA | 4 pm | Karachi |
February 22 | Australia vs England | 4 pm | Lahore |
February 23 | India vs Pakistan | 4 pm | Dubai |
February 24 | Bangladesh vs NZ | 4 pm | Rawalpindi |
February 25 | Australia vs SA | 4 pm | Rawalpindi |
February 26 | Afghanistan vs England | 4 pm | Lahore |
February 27 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | 4 pm | Rawalpindi |
February 28 | Afghanistan vs Aus | 4 pm | Lahore |
March 1 | SA vs England | 4 pm | Karachi |
March 2 | India vs NZ | 4 pm | Dubai |
March 4 | Semi-final 1 | 4 pm | To be announced |
March 5 | Semi-final 2 | 4 pm | To be announced |
March 9 | Final | 4 pm | To be announced |
Guide to book tickets for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already announced the schedule for CT 2025 – to be played in Pakistan and Dubai. The ticket sale for the tournament is not LIVE yet. But the ICC has definitely opened registrations to get the fastest updates.
Fans need to click on this official link to register. In the subsequent steps, you need to enter your name, email address, contact number, date of birth, country of residence and team of preference. Next, you need to agree on terms and conditions.
Fans can finally get registered for the ticket updates. Considering that the tournament stars next month, the tickets are going to be accessible for booking soon. It is recommended to register for updates as the tickets could sell like hot cakes.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Step-by-step guide to Dubai visa
Indians looking to enter Dubai for the upcoming Champions Trophy matches are required to obtain a visa. You can get e-Visas before departure on this official link. Passengers need to have a printed e-visa confirmation.
If you are someone relying on a family visa, please pay attention to these policies. Even if the parents of the passenger reside in Dubai, he/she cannot travel alone to the city on a family visa and must be accompanied by another family member.
If your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival and you have a visa issued by the US valid for a minimum of 6 months, you can easily obtain a Dubai visa for a maximum period of 14 days. You can apply for an extension for another 14 days.
If you have received a confirmation that your Dubai visa has been approved before departure, you can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 96 hours, 30 days or 90 days. The approved visa must be deposited by the sponsor at the immigration authorities.
Guide to tracking UAE visa application
Dubai is one of the most happening places on the planet. One can expect Dubai to be as pretty as a picture. The emirate is famous for its ultra-modern buildings, Burj Khalifa, the iconic Dubai Frame, Dubai desert safari, vibrant nightlife and shopping centres.
You can check your visa application from the official UAE site. This platform makes it incredibly easy to check your application status, pending documents and other important details. You can use your visa number or passport number to check the status.
Types of Dubai visa: Key details
1. UAE Tourist Visa
E-Visas can be obtained before departure at this link. Passengers holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date and a confirmation that a visa has been approved before departure can obtain a visa on arrival.
2. UAE Transit Visa
The UAE issues a couple of types of transit visas – for 48 hours and 96 hours. Transit Visa cannot be extended. To be eligible for the visa, you must have an Indian passport, confirmed return tickets, proof of accommodation and complete payment.
3. UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa can let you stay in the country for a longer period. It is provided based on your talent, occupation and type of residence. By obtaining the visa, you can enter Dubai on a multiple-entry basis for a period of 6 months, among other benefits.
Guide to UAE visa extension process
If you are finding Dubai prettier than expected, you can extend your visa a couple of times. There is no need for you to leave the country for it. Dubai visa can be extended for a maximum period of 60 days. You need a passport, photographs and an old tourist visa for it.
Dubai visa getting rejected? Possible reasons here
Your application might be incomplete. If you give false information or submit damaged documents, the visa is going to get rejected. If there are any errors such as spelling mistakes or false names, it could be a problem, too.
Your Dubai visa could also get rejected if your photograph has certain marks on it or is blurred. The UAE is possibly not going to accept visa applications if you have any past criminal history. Earlier, if you failed to apply for an extension and overstayed, it is also a problem.
Public transport options to Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is located at Dubai Sports City. Since it is an inland area, there are no metro stations nearby. You can take a Red Line train to Dubai Internet City Metro Station or Mall of the Emirates Metro Station. Then take the appropriate bus.
You can also reach the stadium by car, taxi or bus. Buses going to the place include,
F34 – Dubai Internet City Metro Station to Dubai Production City (via Dubai Sports City)
F37 – Mall of the Emirates Metro Station to Dubai Sports City
Top hotels near Dubai Sports City in Dubai
1. Movenpick Jumeirah Village Triangle
Movenpick Jumeirah Village Triangle has a fitness centre, spa centre, restaurant and sun terrace. This 5-star hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, free internet throughout the property and an ATM.
Booking.com link
2. Media Rotana Dubai
Close to Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, Media Rotana Dubai has a temperature-controlled outdoor pool, massage rooms, and multiple food and beverage outlets. It also offers a complementary shuttle bus to the Mall of the Emirates and The Beach JBR.
Booking.com link
3. Vintage Grand Hotel
Vintage Grand Hotel is located in Dubai Production City. Dining is a pleasure at the property. You can enjoy free internet throughout the property. There are 5 restaurants and a pool. The property is located at just a short distance from popular landmarks in the city.
Booking.com link
4. FIVE Jumeirah Village
If you are looking for celebrity treatment, FIVE Jumeirah Village is the right option for you. The property features a restaurant, free parking, an outdoor cool and a fitness centre. You can also find a hot tub and a sauna.
Booking.com link
5. Homely 1BR at the Matrix Dubai Sports City
Homely 1BR at the Matrix Dubai Sports City by Deluxe Holiday Homes is composed of one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. The accommodation offers access to a balcony, free parking and internet, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
Booking.com link

What makes you a good journalist? Hopefully, I can find a convincing answer to it someday.From Btech in Civil Engineering to pursuing Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication, it has been quite a journey. I have a keen interest in investigative journalism and exploring the latest developments in the Gulf region.
I care about ethical reporting and bringing something new to the table. Overall, if not a writer, I believe I would have been a globetrotter or a pet-sitter.
Email id: shrabani@traveltodubai.ae