ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Introduction to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The cricket world is buzzing with the coming of the ICC Champions Trophy after a lengthy break, which starts on February 19, 2025. This one is special in itself, as it is Pakistan staging a big ICC event for the first time since 1996. The competition will see eight top One Day International (ODI) teams face off against one another in the Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) grounds.

Tournament Summary

Champions Trophy 2025 will be from 19 Feb to 9 Mar, with fixtures in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The teams will be divided into two:

Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand

Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

The tournament starts off with a thriller of an opening match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Karachi's National Stadium. The highlight of the group stage is the highly charged match between Pakistan and India, arch-rivals, on February 23 in Dubai. India's games are relocated to Dubai because of political tensions, while Pakistan stages most of the games.

Effect on Pakistan

Pakistan staging the Champions Trophy is a milestone, with the nation looking to reposition itself as an international cricket venue of the highest order. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has spared no expense in upgrading to deliver world-class facilities and security. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was confident that a successful Champions Trophy would pave the way for other international events to be held in the country.

Team Preparation and Star Players

Defending champions Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, possess a pace attack and are keen to employ home conditions to the fullest. India, headed by Rohit Sharma, are missing top performers like Jasprit Bumrah, who is ruled out of contention due to injury. New Zealand had their campaign ruined by the withdrawal of paceman Lockie Ferguson due to a foot injury; Kyle Jamieson replaced him.

Australia, who have been struggling with the injuries to key players like captain Pat Cummins, will be led by stand-in captain Steve Smith. England, captained by Jos Buttler and new coach Brendon McCullum, will aim to redeem themselves from recent losses with the inclusion of bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.

Tournament Format

The Champions Trophy is contested in a round-robin league within each group, and the teams in the first two positions from each group are eligible for the semi-finals. The final match will be held on March 9 in Lahore; however, if India becomes eligible, the match will be relocated to Dubai. The competition has decent monetary incentives, and the winner will get £1.78 million.

Broadcast and Coverage

Cricket enthusiasts across the globe can watch the Champions Trophy 2025 on different broadcasting partners and live streaming websites. For in-depth coverage with live scores, match reports, and exclusive interviews, watch News Drishti. News Drishti's crew is committed to delivering you timely and comprehensive reports during the tournament. Watch the latest news and back-stage stories on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on News Drishti. As the cricketing community gathers to this top-level competition, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see exciting encounters and memories to last a lifetime, reasserting the worldwide nature of the sport.