India will face Pakistan in Dubai on February 23 as part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking another chapter in cricket’s most intense rivalry. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule on Tuesday, confirming that all of India’s matches will take place in Dubai. The tournament, which kicks off on February 19, promises high-octane action with eight top teams vying for the prestigious trophy.
India-Pakistan Rivalry to Take Center Stage
The India-Pakistan clash remains the marquee event in any cricket tournament, and the February 23 game is no exception. Both teams are in Group A, which also features New Zealand and Bangladesh. With India and Pakistan frequently meeting in ICC events, the excitement surrounding their encounters never diminishes.
India begins its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, three days before locking horns with Pakistan. The final group match for India will be against New Zealand on March 2.
Meanwhile, Group B consists of South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. The tournament format ensures that only the top two teams from each group proceed to the semifinals, adding to the pressure in every game.
Karachi to Host Opener, Lahore Prepares for the Finale
The Champions Trophy’s curtain-raiser will be held in Karachi on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand. The final is slated for March 9 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, unless India qualifies, in which case Dubai will host the finale.
This decision comes as part of a compromise between India and Pakistan regarding venue neutrality. The ICC confirmed that India’s matches will be held at a neutral venue due to long-standing geopolitical tensions, ensuring equitable hosting arrangements for ICC events.
Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi will serve as Pakistan’s venues, with the refurbished Gaddafi Stadium also hosting the second semifinal.
Key Dates and Venues at a Glance
The ICC Champions Trophy will feature 15 matches across six venues, with Dubai being India’s base. Here’s a quick snapshot of the key fixtures:
- February 19: Tournament opener – Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Karachi
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh in Dubai
- February 22: England vs. Australia in Lahore
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan in Dubai
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand in Dubai
- March 9: Final in Lahore (or Dubai, if India qualifies)
ICC’s Strategic Hosting Decisions
The schedule announcement concludes weeks of deliberations over the tournament’s hosting arrangement. The compromise ensures that India’s matches remain at neutral venues, a stance reciprocated for Pakistan during ICC events held in India through 2027.
This agreement follows tense negotiations, highlighting the geopolitical challenges of organizing a multinational event involving the two neighbors.
The ICC also confirmed that both semifinals and the final will have reserve days to account for potential weather disruptions, ensuring fair outcomes in the knockout stages.
What’s at Stake?
The Champions Trophy holds special significance as a premier 50-over tournament, last played in 2017. The eight participating teams earned their spots based on their standings at the ODI World Cup held in India last year.
For cricket fans, the tournament offers a chance to witness thrilling rivalries and game-changing performances. Matches like India vs. Pakistan and England vs. Australia are more than just games; they are spectacles of sporting excellence and national pride.
As February approaches, cricket fever is set to grip fans worldwide, with Dubai and Pakistan preparing to host a spectacle that promises to be unforgettable.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
