ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP):THE INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday announced the schedule for this year's Champions Trophy tournament, with hosts Pakistan meeting the West Indies in the opening game on September 11.
Defending champions Australia, who postponed a previous tour to Pakistan earlier this month because of security fears, will play their first Group A match against India.
"The schedule of the tournament was approved by the ICC board in Dubai earlier this week," ICC communication officer Samiul Hasan said.
The top eight teams in the ICC rankings are placed in two groups with leaders in each group qualifying for the semi-finals.
Australia, India, Pakistan and the West Indies are in Group A while South Africa, New Zealand and England form Group B.
Schedule
Sept. 11:
Pakistan vs WEST INDIES, Lahore.
Sept. 12
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Karachi.
Sept. 13:
Australia vs India, Lahore.
Sept. 14:
England vs Sri Lanka, Karachi.
Sept. 15:
South Africa vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi.
Sept. 16:
WEST INDIES vs India, Karachi.
Sept. 17: Pakistan vs Australia, Rawalpindi
Sept. 18:
South Africa vs Sri Lanka, Lahore.
Sept. 19:
England vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi.
Sept. 20:
Pakistan vs India, Lahore.
Sept. 21:
Australia vs WEST INDIES, Karachi; England vs South Africa, Rawalpindi.
Sept. 24:
First semi-final, Karachi.
Sept. 25:
Second semi-final, Rawalpindi.
Sept. 28:
Final, Lahore.
