The Pakistan cricket team can defend their ICC Champions Trophy title. Head Aaqib Javed remains confident that the Mohammad Rizwan-led Men in Green possess the ability to retain their title come the 2025 edition of the 8-team tournament. Javed, who recently became the all-format head coach of Pakistan, feels playing at home will aid him come February-March.
Pakistan confident on winning ICC Champions Trophy
“Champions Trophy in Pakistan, in front of our fans, we are very excited, and I think Pakistan can repeat that. We are still the defending champions,” Javed, who’s currently in South Africa, said in a recent episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast.
Since November, Pakistan has played nine 50-over matches against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. They have done incredibly well in all three ODI series, winning seven of the nine matches. The preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy are going well, and now, they have just two more matches left before the tournament kicks off on February 19.
Their tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa at home just before the 15-man event will serve as the perfect lead-up. Javed feels it’ll help them confirm their team and clear whatever doubts they have. “The tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy is a good opportunity, and it is against major teams. So, it will help clear a couple of doubts in the decision-making process,” the Pakistan head coach added.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Schedule
| Date | Team A | Team B | Venue | Timing (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | Pakistan | New Zealand | Karachi | 2:30 |
| February 20 | Bangladesh | India | Dubai | 2:30 |
| February 21 | Afghanistan | South Africa | Karachi | 2:30 |
| February 22 | Australia | England | Lahore | 2:30 |
| February 23 | Pakistan | India | Dubai | 2:30 |
| February 24 | Bangladesh | New Zealand | Rawalpindi | 2:30 |
| February 25 | Australia | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 2:30 |
| February 26 | Afghanistan | England | Lahore | 2:30 |
| February 27 | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Rawalpindi | 2:30 |
| February 28 | Afghanistan | Australia | Lahore | 2:30 |
| March 1 | South Africa | England | Karachi | 2:30 |
| March 2 | New Zealand | India | Dubai | 2:30 |
| March 4 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai | 2:30 | |
| March 5 | Semi-final 2 | Lahore | 2:30 | |
| March 6 | Reserve Day | |||
| March 9 | Final | Lahore/Dubai | 2:30 | |
| March 10 | Reserve Day | 2:30 | ||
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