The full implications of the India's refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.

A storied cricket rivalry will add a new chapter when India and Australia square off in the first semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Semfinal featuring India and Australia will take place in Dubai and South Africa vs New Zealand clash will take place in Pakistan's Lahore.

Rain has delayed the toss in the Champions Trophy Group B game between South Africa and two-time winner Australia.

The two teams await the result of the game between India and New Zealand to find out where they will play their semifinal

The Champions Trophy Group B fixture between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Tuesday after persistent rain kept the players from the field.

In his final game as captain, Jos Buttler won the toss and England decided to bat against South Africa at the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand's Chris Gaffaney and England's Richard Illingworth have been appointed as on-field umpires for the high-stakes India-Australia game. As mentioned, Gaffaney and Illingworth will stand in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. Michael Gough will be the third umpire, while Andy Pycroft has been appointed match referee.

India secured a dominant 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, clinching the top spot in Group A. This result sets up an exciting semi-final clash with the World Champions, Australia, on March 4 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The scheduling of the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy in two different countries has meant both teams that have qualified from Group B - Australia and South Africa* - will travel to the UAE this weekend.