Cricket fans of the UAE, it’s happening! One of the highlights of the cricketing calendar, the ICC Champions Trophy tournament, is taking place right here on Dubai soil from February 19 to March 9.
What is the ICC Champions Trophy?
The quadrennial series rolls out every four years and is played in the One Day International (ODI) format of 50 overs per inning. The top 8 international men’s cricket teams battle for the title.
Where are the Champions Trophy matches happening?
Defending champions Pakistan are the hosts this year and the inaugural match between Pakistani and Zealand kicks off today in Karachi. Matches will be held in the Pakistani cities of Lahore and Rawalpindi, too.
However, all matches featuring the Indian cricket team is being held in the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, including the high-stakes India Vs New Zealand game.
Why is the India vs New Zealand match important?
While both India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semi-finals, the outcome of this final Group A match will decide semi-final venues and pairings. If India wins, they will take on Australia, the top team in Group B. If New Zealand wins, India will play against South Africa in Dubai and southern hemisphere neighbours, Aussies and Kiwis, will duel it out in Lahore.
How to watch ICC Champions Trophy matches in Dubai?
Tickets for the clash of these titans were sold out within minutes both times they were on sale on the ICC website after an additional slot of passes was made available. The 25,000-capacity stadium in Sports City is now a pipe dream if you weren’t able to nab passes.
But chin-up! As always, sports bars and restaurants around Dubai are screening all matches, including the explosive India VS Pakistan matchup.
1. Mahi Cafe, Al Nahda
This shisha cafe and lounge has a Champions Trophy Half-Century deal that pairs a starter, cocktail, and single-flavour shisha for AED 50 while you watch the matches on one of their five screens or the belle of the ball – a 130-inch projector screen.
Call 056 931 1300 to book
2. Permit Room, Mankhool
This vibrant rooftop spot in Majestic City Retreat Hotel has offers galore for the duration of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. You can get a bucket of five beers from AED 60 – AED 119 onwards (depending on your brand of choice) and see the high-profile showdown play out on a 200-inch screen.
Call 054 791 1796 to book
3. 59 Street, Al Barsha
Tucked away inside the Donatello Hotel, this kitchen and bar known for its Asian bites and crafted cocktails is running happy hours all day every day from day 1 to day 19 of the Champions Trophy tour. However, there’s a cover charge of AED 150 per person during big games like the India-Pak knock-out.
Call 050 210 6962 to book
4. Tipsy Tikka, Four Points By Sheraton
In between innings – we’re talking about 9-hour-long matches, guys – you can play a round of pool or darts. And for those edge-of-your-seat overs when the action does ramp up a variety of F&B offers should keep you feuelled. Choose from AED 149 starter and beer bucket deal or get 3 pints for AED 99.
Call 056 414 2213
5. Huddle’s Sports Bar and Grill, various locations
All branches of this sports bar in CityMax Hotels, including the one in Ras Al Khaimah, will be screening all ICC Champions Trophy matches this year. There’s a minimum spend of AED 150 per person during the India-Pak game. Book here
6. Moksha by Baar Baar
This nightspot at the Majestic Premier Inn Hotel in Bur Dubai is going all out for the India vs Pakistan game on February 23. The match will be screened live with music to keep the excitement up and plenty of food and drink to tide you through the day.
Call 055 556 0142 to book
7. Headlines, various locations
Both their Trade Centre outlet and the joint in Jumeirah will be live screening all matches including the India-Pak one this Sunday. There’s a minimum spend of AED 200 per person for groups of 3-4 people and AED 170 per person for larger groups. Make sure you go with friends!
Call 056 585 9165 or 056 440 2527 to book
8. Freddy’s, Al Karama
At this sports bar in Fortune Karama Hotel, it’s a la carte on drinks and nibbles all through the tournament. They’ll be screening all matches live.
Call 055 432 5100 for bookings
9. TJ’s, Taj JLT
Cricket’s greatest rivalry will be screened here on February 23 with an a la carte menu for drinks and grub with a minimum spend of AED 150 per person and AED 100 per child. The family-friendly gastropub and sports bar will also screen all other matches as part of the ICC Champions Trophy schedule. Book here
10. Mr. Toad’s Pub and Kitchen, Barsha Heights
It’s happy hours for cricket fans at this sports bar chain through the Champions Trophy games. You can see all the matches live on their screens and enough draughts and house spirits from AED 27 and a bottle of wine for AED 100.
Call 058 917 2199 for reservations
11. Reel Cinemas
Watch the theatrical semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy matches on the silver screen in Reel Cinema’s standard screens. March 2nd’s India-New Zealand game is being screened here. More info here