DUBAI: The schedule of ICC Champions Trophy matches to be hosted by Pakistan next year is ready. According to the schedule, Dubai will host matches involving the Indian team. The first match of the tournament is on February 19. The final match will be held in Lahore on March 9. If India qualifies for the final, the match will be held in Dubai, not Pakistan.

The first match will be between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. India's first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20. The much-awaited India-Pakistan match is on February 23. India's third match is on March 2 against New Zealand. India's group-stage matches and one semi-final match are in Dubai. India and Pakistan are in Group A.

Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia and England are in Group B. This is the first time that Afghanistan is playing in the Champions Trophy. Currently, Lahore is the venue for the second semi-final and then the final. There is a reserve day for knockout games and finals. Matches between India and Pakistan will be played in Dubai.

Even if ICC tournaments are held in India, matches involving Pakistan will be shifted to venues abroad.