England to Face Australia in 2025 Champions Trophy Opener

England will kick off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against Australia in Lahore, marking the seventh consecutive global men's event featuring an England-Australia match-up. The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, returns after its last iteration in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final. This edition holds special significance as it will be the first world event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.

Featuring the top eight teams from last year's ODI World Cup, the tournament divides them into two groups of four, with the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals. England, placed in Group B, will compete against Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa—teams that bested them in the previous ODI World Cup, where England narrowly secured their Champions Trophy spot.

England's fixtures include matches against Australia in Lahore on February 22, Afghanistan in Lahore on February 25, and South Africa in Rawalpindi on March 2. The semi-finals are set for Rawalpindi and Karachi, with the final in Lahore on March 9.

The hosts, Pakistan, will open the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, with the marquee Pakistan vs India match scheduled for Lahore on March 1. India has not played in Pakistan since 2008, and there remains uncertainty about their participation, as their touring decisions are government-led. If India opts out, alternative venues, such as the UAE, may be considered.

To reduce logistical challenges, Pakistan has scheduled India’s group matches in Lahore, close to the Indian border, hoping to attract Indian fans. Despite no bilateral series since 2012-13, the Champions Trophy marks the 11th consecutive ICC event where India and Pakistan will clash, reflecting the ICC’s design to ensure high-profile matches for broadcasters.

Since 2021, all competing nations, except India, have toured Pakistan. England played a seven-match T20 series and a three-match Test series in 2022 and will return for another Test series this October.