ICC Champions Trophy 2024: Initial Schedule Revealed, Tournament to Begin on February 19

Karachi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the preliminary schedule for the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy, with the tournament set to commence on February 19. The opening match is expected to feature Pakistan taking on New Zealand, with the opening ceremony likely to be held in Karachi.
According to sources, Pakistan’s second match will be played on February 24 against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. One of the biggest highlights of the tournament, the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash, is scheduled for March 1 in Dubai.
The semi-finals of the Champions Trophy will be held on March 5 and 6, with the final scheduled for March 9. If India progresses to the knockout stages, both the semi-finals and the final will be played in Dubai. However, if India fails to reach the semi-finals, these matches will be shifted to Lahore.
Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium will host its first match on February 22, where Australia will face England. Afghanistan and England will meet on February 25, also in Lahore.
The preliminary schedule is as follows:
Draft Schedule:
19 February: Pakistan vs. New Zealand
20 February: Bangladesh vs. India
21 February: Afghanistan vs. South Africa
22 February: England vs. Australia
23 February: New Zealand vs. India
24 February: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh
25 February: England vs. Afghanistan
26 February: Australia vs. South Africa
27 February: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand
28 February: Australia vs. Afghanistan
1 March: Pakistan vs. India
2 March: England vs. South Africa
5 March: First Semi-final (A1 vs. B2)
6 March: Second Semi-final (B1 vs. A2)
9 March: Final
10 March: Reserve Day
The tournament promises to be a thrilling contest with some of the best cricketing nations battling it out for the prestigious title.