The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kickstart in Pakistan on February 19. However, India will play all their Champions Trophy games in Dubai.

Salman, who has been crucial in Pakistan’s recent ODI successes against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, also gave an update on star opener Saim Ayub’s fitness. Ayub’s ankle injury during the South Africa Test series put doubts over his availability for the tournament.

There have been several media reports stating that the Champions Trophy 2025 might be shifted out of Pakistan due to delay in renovation work at the stadiums in the country.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan hosting the marquee ICC tournament in a hybrid model (neutral venue). India will play all their matches (group-stage games, semifinal and final) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Critical upgrades, including multi-story enclosures for dressing rooms and hospitality boxes, floodlight installations, seat arrangements, and fencing, are still incomplete

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Afghanistan cricket team has roped in Pakistan great Younis Khan as team mentor for the mega event. Previously, Ajay Jadeja in the ODI World Cup 2023 and Jonathan Trott in T20 World Cup 2024 helped Afghanistan do well in ICC events.

Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan will have the services of former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as their mentor for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.