The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, with matches hosted in Pakistan and Dubai. Irish cricket enthusiasts may face challenges due to geo-restrictions and limited local broadcasts. This guide provides detailed information on how to watch the tournament in Ireland, including official broadcast partners, streaming options, and the complete match schedule.
Official Broadcast Partners in Ireland
Sky Sports Coverage
Sky Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UK and Ireland. Subscribers can watch all 15 matches live on:
- Sky Sports Cricket
- Sky Sports Main Event
Subscription Packages:
- Sky TV + Sports: Starts at £46 per month, offering access to six Sky Sports channels.
- NOW TV Sports Pass: Available for £14.99 per day or £26 per month, providing flexible viewing options.
Streaming Access:
- Sky Go App: Available for subscribers to stream matches on various devices.
- NOW TV: Offers streaming without a contract, suitable for flexible viewing.
RTÉ Highlights and Analysis
While RTÉ does not broadcast live matches, it may provide highlights and post-match analysis. Viewers can check the RTÉ Player or RTÉ News for updates and highlight packages.
Streaming Platforms for Irish Viewers
Disney+ Hotstar via VPN
Disney+ Hotstar streams matches in India. Irish viewers can access this service using a Virtual Private Network (VPN):
- Choose a Reliable VPN: Services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN are recommended.
- Connect to an Indian Server: This will allow access to content available in India.
- Subscribe to Hotstar:
- Mobile Plan: ₹299 for 3 months.
- Premium Plan: ₹899 per year.
Willow TV for U.S.-Based Streams
Willow TV offers coverage in the United States and Canada. To access Willow TV from Ireland:
- Use a VPN: Connect to a U.S. server using a reliable VPN service.
- Subscribe to Willow TV:
- Monthly Subscription: $9.99.
- Annual Subscription: $60.
- Alternative: Available through Sling TV’s Desi Binge Plus package for $10 per month.
Free Streaming Options and Trials
- Telecom Partnerships: Check if providers like Vodafone Ireland or Eir offer packages that include access to Sky Sports or NOW TV.
- YouTube Highlights: The ICC’s official YouTube channel will post match highlights and key moments.
- Live Updates: ESPNcricinfo provides live scores and detailed match commentary.
Overcoming Geo-Restrictions
Using a VPN
To bypass geo-restrictions:
- Select a VPN Service: Opt for NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the Appropriate Server:
- India: For Disney+ Hotstar.
- USA: For Willow TV.
- UK: For Sky Go.
- Access the Streaming Platform: Log in with your subscription details to watch live matches.
Legal Considerations: While using a VPN is legal in Ireland, accessing content intended for other regions may violate the terms of service of the streaming platforms.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Full Schedule
Below is the complete match schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. All match times are listed in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which aligns with Irish local time.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:00 |
| Feb 20 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Feb 21 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:00 |
| Feb 22 | Australia vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| Feb 23 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Feb 24 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Feb 25 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Feb 26 | Afghanistan vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| Feb 27 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Feb 28 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| Mar 1 | South Africa vs. England | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:00 |
| Mar 2 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Mar 4 | Semi-final 1* | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 14:00 |
| Mar 5 | Semi-final 2** | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
| Mar 9 | Final*** | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 14:00 |
Notes:
- Semi-final 1 will feature India if they qualify.
- Semi-final 2 will feature Pakistan if they qualify.
- If India qualifies for the final, it will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium; otherwise, it will take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.