The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B.

Read Also | India to play their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue

The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.

The Champions Trophy begins with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19 February - the opening day of the event - in Karachi. Other key match-ups include Bangladesh taking on India on the second day of the competition in Dubai and Afghanistan facing South Africa on 21 February in Karachi.

On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.

The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament's much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.

“This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.

“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.

“Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all."

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**

9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time

* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

*** If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Note: The article was created as a press release by ICC.

East Bengal scored 409/9 in the first inning against arch-rival Mohun Bagan A.C. with the help of a stunning unbeaten ton from Sandipan Das on Day 2 of the C.A.B. First Division Championship semifinal. In the second semi-final, Bhowanipur have nearly thrown Kalighat away by scoring a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning as Vivek Singh scored 129 from 166 balls for them. 

East Bengal in slight favour after day 2 of Kolkata derby

The second day of the Kolkata derby in the C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final saw many ups and downs throughout the entire day. East Bengal, who were at 310/6, were depending on former U-19 World Cup winner Sandipan Das to take them over 400. Shreyan Chakraborty did his part by building a 59-run partnership for the 7th wicket. 

But, after Shreyan's dismissal (30 off 64), all-rounders Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Kanishk Seth could not add much to the total. But Sandipan made sure he faced most of the deliveries and strikes at a blistering pace. The right-handed middle-order batter not only reached his hundred but also made sure that East Bengal gave Mohun Bagan a steep total to chase down in the second inning. 

East Bengal finished on 409/9 as Sandipan remained unbeaten on 108 off 236 balls. 

Suraj gave East Bengal the perfect start

In the second inning, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Bengal's highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, made sure the Red and Gold brigade got the perfect start. The right-handed pacer removed Shantanu in the first ball of the inning and looked lethal from the word go. 

Mohun Bagan were put under tremendous pressure after captain Sudip Kumar Gharami was also dismissed by Kanishk Seth for just 8. Kanishk, East Bengal's player of the match in the quarter-final, went through the defences of Bengal's white-ball captain and cleaned up his stumps. 

Vikas Singh then trapped Avilin Ghosh in front of the wicket just for 1. Avilin was Mohun Bagan's Cricketer of the Year last season and saved many games for them in this kind of situation. But, Vikas proved to be too good for him. 

Read Also | Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

At 29/3, Mohun Bagan looked nearly out of the game, but Ranjot Singh Khaira, centurion from the quarter-final, tried to build a partnership with Suvankar Bal. But Shreyan Chakraborty went through his defence with his left-arm spin to send him back to the dressing room after a good-looking 45 off 68 balls. 

Gitansh Khera was also cleaned up by Vikas Singh on 19. Suvankar Bal, meanwhile, completed his well-paced fifty and is the lone batter at the crease for Mohun Bagan at the end of Day 2. Though Mohun Bagan's tail is totally capable of hitting the ball long, at 146/5, Mohun Bagan's fate will be decided on Suvankar Bal's bat on the final day of the match. 

Mohun Bagan now require 264 runs in 522 balls, while East Bengal need five wickets to qualify for the final.

Read Also |

Bhowanipur cruising, Anustup fighting a battle for Kalighat

In the second semi-final at the J.U. 2nd Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Bhowanipur cruised to a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning after Vivek Singh became the third centurion from the defending champion after Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shakir Habib Gandhi scored centuries on Day 1. 

Vivek, who now plays for the Railways team in Indian domestic cricket, showcased his power and skill to ease to his hundred. Vivek was eventually stumped out by Arun Chaprana on 129 from 166 balls. Meanwhile, experienced Arindam Ghosh added 52 while Aaamir Gani added a quick 32 off 34 balls to take Bhowanipur's total to 617 in the first inning. 

Anustup's ton kept Kalighat in the game

Ravi Kumar, the left-arm pacer, continued the momentum for Bhowanipur by dismissing Shreyansh Ghosh in the first over. But, ever dependable Anustup Majumdar and Koushik Ghosh made sure Kalighat didn't leave without a fight. 

Koushik and Anustup added 127 runs for the second wicket. However, Koushik would be disappointed not to get a big score as he was caught behind by Ravi Kumar, who was the pick of the bowlers on Day 2. 

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But, as they say, great players know when to put their hands up and show the path to the entire team. Bengal and Kalighat captain Anustup Majumdar raced to another ton in his club career to give some fight to Bhowanipur's huge total.

At the end of the day, Anustup is unbeaten on 107 off 127 balls while Subham Chatterjee, the double centurion from the pre-quarter final, is with him on 23 off 40 balls. Kalighat finished day 2 at 188/2 and need 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase.

East Bengal's Satyaki Dutta scored a stunning century to help the Red and Gold Ultras post 310/6 on day 1 of the Kolkata Derby in C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final on Thursday at Videocon Ground. 

Game in balance despite Satayki's ton

East Bengal captain Writtick Chatterjee won the toss and decided to bat first in a high-voltage match like the Kolkata derby, where winning the bragging rights is more than anything. But, his decision was struck by an unfortunate run out of opener Abhisek Das, who was set on 26 off 44 balls. 

But post the first wicket, Arindam Ghosh and Satyaki Dutta, East Bengal's highest run scorer last season, took the initiative to put up a solid platform for the other batters to cash in. 

Satyaki Dutta returned to the dressing room after a great knock of 107 off 137 balls. Vikas Singh broke the 162-run partnership for Mohun Bagan to make a comeback in the match. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "We all know this game can make us heroes to the fans," East Bengal's Satyaki Dutta ahead of Kolkata Derby

At 194/2, East Bengal were all set to put up a huge score in the first inning. But Mohun Bagan struck back with back-to-back wickets. Vikash Singh dismissed East Bengal captain Writtick Chatterjee, and just when East Bengal tried to build another big partnership, Sourav Halder dismantled Arindam Ghosh's stumps after his 78 off 229 balls. 

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Agniv Pan tried to score some quick runs and bring the momentum to East Bengal, but Halder dismissed him after 21 off 27 balls to bring the game in balance. Former Mumbai Indians batter Amitoze Singh also departed after 8 off 17, and East Bengal now will depend on Sandipan Das and Shreyan Chakraborty to take them over 400 on day 2. 

Sandipan Das is currently unbeaten on 45 off 86 balls while Shreyan is batting on 8 off 19. For Mohun Bagan, Vikash Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 45/2 in 21 overs. 

In the other semi-final at  J.U. 2nd Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Bhowanipur dominated Kalighat bowlers by scoring 348/4 on day 1. Bhowanipur captain Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and decided to bat first. And, he made sure he himself proved his decision right. 

Abhishek Raman (41 off 63) gave a solid opening start with his Bengal opening partner Easwaran. But Kalighat made a quick comeback in the match after dismissing Jayojit Basu on a duck. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "My time will come," confident Habib Gandhi after 168 in first division quarter-final

Post that, it was all about the 243-run partnership between Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shakir Habib Gandhi. Easwaran returned to the dressing room after a solid 149 off 208 balls. Meanwhile, Shakir Habib Gandhi, who had scored an unbeaten 168 in the quarter-final, continued his form with a 119 from 171 balls. 

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Vivek Singh and Arindam Ghosh are at the crease for Bhowanipur at the moment after the end of Day 1. Durgesh Kumar Dubey and Arun Chaprana picked up two wickets each for Kalighat.

The seventeenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin on Friday, March 22 with a huge clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chennai. IPL has seen several world-class players over the years. The best players in the world, like Kohli, Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Warner, have scored plenty of runs in the league. So it's time we have a look at the players with the most runs in IPL history.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Captaincy Record and Stats in IPL

Top Five Players with Most Runs in IPL History

Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring the most runs in IPL. He is in the top of this list with 7263 runs in 237 matches, including 7 centuries and 50 fifties. Virat has scored those runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02. His best season came in 2016 when he made an incredible 973 runs in a single season, including 4 hundreds which is still the highest individual runs in a single season.

Shikhar Dhawan is second on the list in terms of scoring the most runs in IPL. He has been consistent in the IPL, crossing the 400-run mark each season from 2016 to 2022. Dhawan has scored 6617 runs in 217 games at an average of 35.38, including 2 centuries and 50 half-centuries. His best season came in the 2020 season when he scored 618 runs with 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries. 

The former captain of Hyderabad, David Warner, is the top run-getter among the foreign players and comes third overall. He has made 6397 runs in 176 matches at an average of 41.53 and a strike rate of 139.91. He has scored 4 centuries and 61 half-centuries in the Indian cash-rich league. His best season came in 2016 when he made 848 runs with 9 fifties.

The Hitman, Rohit Sharma is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL. He has led Mumbai Indians to five titles so far. Rohit began his IPL career with Deccan in 2008 before joining Mumbai in 2011. In 243 matches, Rohit Sharma has scored 6211 runs at an average of 29.57, with 1 hundred and 42 half-centuries. The Hitman is the 2nd highest six-hitter in IPL with 256 sixes. 

Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina has been a key member for Chennai in the league. He has been always consistent for CSK and led the team to 4 titles and 5 runner-up titles. In 205 matches, Raina has scored 5528 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 136.76, with 1 hundred and 39 fifties. Raina retired from international cricket in 2020 and from IPL in 2022.

Satyaki Dutta has been one of the most underrated cricketers in Bengal over the past few seasons. The young batting all-rounder progressed through the ranks of Kolkata club cricket and has been playing for East Bengal since last season.

Despite scoring two centuries in two semi-finals last season, he could not lead East Bengal to victory. This season, having made it to the semi-finals again, he is determined to bring the trophy to East Bengal fans.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against arch-rival Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, Satyaki shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

"Always tried to focus on my strengths"

Despite being one of the most consistent batters in Bengal, along with his ability to bowl wholeheartedly for his team, Satyaki has yet to break through to the senior Bengal team. Not only that, despite winning the "East Bengal's Cricketer of the Year Award", Satyaki was told he was not good enough by many. 

But just like many champion athletes, this has only made him stronger and better. Besides working on his strength, Satyaki made sure he found the small loopholes in his game and worked on them under East Bengal coach Abdul Monayem.

"I have always tried to focus on my strengths. I know what my capabilities are. And, when you're playing for a public club like East Bengal, you have to keep on improving," Satyaki told Sportz Point.

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The first-class dream

Last season, Satyaki came very close to making the Bengal team, but it didn't happen for him. He understands that until his dream of wearing the Bengal cap is fulfilled, he must continue to find ways to improve each day.

"Playing first-class cricket is my dream. Everyone in Bengal starts playing with that dream only. Obviously, even if you do not want it, it runs at the back of your mind. But, I know, if I can help big teams like East Bengal win trophies, I will be getting closer to that dream," Satyaki added. 

Read Also: Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat," Ranjot Khaira's Aussie mentality is a booster for Mohun Bagan.

"Trying to bring out more intent in my game"

In the 2023-24 season, Satyaki was East Bengal's highest run-getter, but despite that, there were questions about his intent and strike rate. Satyaki worked on that during the entire off-season so that he could minimise any weakness in his batting. His 50 from 39 balls against Shambazar Club in the C.A.B. First Division Championship quarter-finals is a testament to that. 

"After last season, there were a few questions asked about my strike rate. This season, I have worked hard on that and am trying to bring out more intent in my game. I feel this can take my game to another level if I can keep up the intent I have shown," Satyaki expressed.

Read Also: Bengal Ranji Team in the Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers.

Competition with other all-rounders

Since Laxmi Ratan Shukla's retirement, Bengal have tried to find the next pace bowling all-rounder for years, but none has been able to cement his place with great performances. Satayki knows there is a tough battle between a few of the players for just one or two places in the team. 

Interestingly, this competition extends to the East Bengal team as well. Ayan Bhattacharjee, one of the finest all-rounders, is also vying for a spot on the Bengal team and is Satyaki's teammate at East Bengal.

Competition? For Satyaki, it is all about doing well for the team.

"This is quite public now. Four or five players are fighting for that place in the Bengal team. There is nothing to hide that Ayan and I are also fighting for that place. But for both of us, it is all about doing well for East Bengal. Rest is in the hands of selectors and God," Satyaki stated.

"Moreover, you have to remember that I play as a batting all-rounder while others play as a bowling all-rounder," he added.

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

"This game can make us heroes to the fans"

Satyaki does not want to focus on all of these equations of selections, next season, the Bengal Pro T20 League. His main focus is now the big semifinal against Mohun Bagan. Satyaki knows the value of a Kolkata derby, and his heartbreak from last season is only making him prepare better for the clash. 

"Last season, we lost two semi-finals. I scored two centuries, but in a team game, winning the trophies is the biggest goal. This season, I want to play that final, and for that, I am willing to do anything," Satyaki described. 

"I know it won't be easy against a team like Mohun Bagan. But we have a team that can take on any team. We all know the value of a Kolkata derby. This match can make anyone a hero. Let's hope we can bring joy to East Bengal fans this time," the all-rounder manifested. 

He has played for East Bengal and won trophies with them. But, like many big stars of Kolkata Maidans, Ranjot Singh Khaira will now be taking on his old team in a big semi-final for Mohun Bagan in a special Kolkata derby coming this week. 

The 26-year-old top-order batter has regained his confidence after scoring an important 124 for Mohun Bagan A.C. in the C.A.B. First Division Championship Quarter-final against Mohammedan Sporting Club to reach the semis.

But now, he will take on their arch-rival of the Kolkata maidans and his former team East Bengal in a mouthwatering semi-final clash at Videocon Ground, starting from 24th April. Before the mega semi-final, Ranjot shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Kalighat and Bhowanipur qualify for the Championship semis

"I have regained my confidence"

From his U-19 days, Ranjot has been renowned as a free-flowing batter who just loves to dominate the opponent whenever there is an opportunity. This mentality quickly earned his LIST-A debut in 2021. But, since then, he has been in and out of the team and only played 13 T20s, 3 LIST-A and 2 First-class games for Bengal.

But after scoring in an important game, Ranjot feels this score has done a lot for his confidence, and he has regained his self-belief. 

"Confidence plays a key role in every player's career. But self-confidence comes from doing well in games. Only game time can help us regain that self-belief we lack. So, a big score for a club like Mohun Bagan and in a knockout match has certainly helped me regain my confidence," Ranjot told Sportz Point.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "My time will come," confident Habib Gandhi after 168 in first division quarter-final

Talking about his limited opportunities for Bengal in the last four years, Ranjot said, "You cannot judge someone with one or two games. You have to see if he/she has been given a chance in the long run or not. Then you can evaluate."

"Surely, I could have done better in the chances I got. But I feel I had a good debut in the Ranji Trophy, but again, I got injured in the next match," Ranjot added. 

"I want to make a name for myself"

Since Ranjot had to sit out in many games due to team combination, the top-order batter has now started bowling as well, which was once his biggest strength. "I have started bowling again. I am feeling good with my leg spin. It feels great. I feel I am ready to contribute to my team's success with bat, ball and fielding," Ranjot expressed. 

"I want to make a difference when I play. I know the value of a name. That’s what I want for myself; to make a name for myself in this beautiful game," Ranjot shared. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

"They want nothing but the trophy"

But how do you make a name for yourself? Ranjot knows the formula. Since his childhood, he has been part of big teams in Kolkata and has already played for three of the biggest cricket clubs of the Kolkata maidan. He knows, scoring in big games for big clubs and helping them win trophies is something that gets valued more than anything in Bengal cricket. 

"If you are playing for any of the big four clubs in Kolkata, the competition is already tough. There is pressure and expectations to win trophies. That is why it is important to do well in these kinds of knockout matches."

"I have heard from childhood that you have to score in these kinds of big games to get recognised in Kolkata Club cricket or Bengal cricket overall. The fans and the club want nothing but the trophy. This is what makes it more special."

Read Also | Exclusive: Inspired by Easwaran's work ethic, a more mature Abishek Porel wants to score big hundreds for Bengal in Ranji Trophy

"When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat"

However, we all know that having the formula and executing it in the field are two different things altogether. So, how does Ranjot Sing Khaira execute things?

"It has always been a simple formula for me. When the opposition is down, choke them to defeat. Do not give them any chance to rise and make a comeback," Ranjot stated. 

"Like, if you take the quarter-final game. Though we scored 380, we knew it was chaseable. So, in big games when you are playing against good teams, you need to make sure that when you have them under pressure, you pin them down," he added.