The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will see top cricketing nations compete for the prestigious title. Hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, this tournament marks its return after an eight-year hiatus. Group A consists of defending champions Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, while Group B features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The opening match will see Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate this thrilling competition, celebrated for its blend of tradition and contemporary cricketing spirit.
ICC Champions Trophy: Group A
India Cricket Team
India’s cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February 19 in Pakistan. This tournament marks a significant event as India aims for its third title, having previously won in 2002 and 2013. The squad includes key players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and emerging talent Yashasvi Jaiswal. India will play its matches in Dubai due to security concerns regarding travel to Pakistan. The highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan is set for Feb 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan Cricket Team
The Pakistan cricket team is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, commencing on February 19 in Karachi. As the defending champions, they aim to retain their title against seven other top teams, including India and New Zealand in Group A.
Pakistan’s first match will be against New Zealand, and their highly anticipated clash with India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. The team is under pressure to finalize their squad amid delays, heightening scrutiny from fans and the ICC.
Bangladesh Cricket Team
The Bangladesh cricket team is preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto leads a 15-member squad, notable for the absence of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was excluded due to failing a bowling action assessment. Bangladesh’s campaign kicks off against India on February 20 in Dubai, followed by matches against New Zealand and Pakistan. The squad features experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, alongside newcomers such as Parvez Hossain Emon and pacer Nahid Rana, aiming to build on their 2017 semi-final success.
New Zealand Cricket Team
The New Zealand cricket team is set to compete in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Captained by Mitchell Santner, the squad features a blend of experience and youth, including stars like Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and emerging talents such as Rachin Ravindra. The pace attack is bolstered by veterans Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, alongside newcomers Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith. New Zealand is placed in Group A with India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, aiming to replicate their historic success from the inaugural tournament in 2000.
ICC Champions Trophy: Group B
Australia Cricket Team
The Australia cricket team is gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19 in Pakistan. Led by Pat Cummins, the squad includes notable players like Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne. New entrants Matt Short and Aaron Hardie are set to make their ICC event debuts, while Nathan Ellis joins after impressive performances in the Big Bash League. Australia aims to reclaim the title, having last won in 2009. The team will compete in Group B against Afghanistan, England, and South Africa, with matches scheduled in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Afghanistan Cricket Team
The Afghanistan cricket team is preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai. Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team aims to make a significant impact, having shown promise in recent tournaments. Afghanistan’s squad includes key players like Rashid Khan, known for his exceptional bowling, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a dynamic batsman. They will face tough competition in Group B against formidable teams like Australia and South Africa. The team’s recent performances, including a strong showing in the 2023 World Cup, have raised expectations for their upcoming campaign.
England Cricket Team
The Afghanistan cricket team is preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai. Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team aims to make a significant impact, having shown promise in recent tournaments. Afghanistan’s squad includes key players like Rashid Khan, known for his exceptional bowling, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a dynamic batsman. They will face tough competition in Group B against formidable teams like Australia and South Africa. The team’s recent performances, including a strong showing in the 2023 World Cup, have raised expectations for their upcoming campaign.
South Africa Cricket Team
The South Africa cricket team is set to compete in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19 in Pakistan. Captained by Temba Bavuma, the squad aims for its first ICC title, following strong performances in recent tournaments, including a semi-final finish at the 2023 World Cup. The team features experienced players like Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, and Aiden Markram, alongside newcomers such as Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs. South Africa is placed in Group B, facing Afghanistan, Australia, and England, with their opening match against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi.
Champions Trophy winners list
The tournament was established in 1998. However, it was called ICC Knockout Trophy. South Africa won the inaugural edition of the tournament beating West Indies in the final.
| Year | Host | Champions | Runners-up | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Bangladesh | South Africa | West Indies | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 2000 | Kenya | New Zealand | India | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka | India & Sri Lanka | Joint winners | No Result |
| 2004 | England | West Indies | England | West Indies won by 2 wickets |
| 2006 | India | Australia | West Indies | Australia won by 8 wickets (D/L method) |
| 2009 | South Africa | Australia | New Zealand | Australia won by 6 wickets |
| 2013 | England & Wales | India | England | India won by 5 runs (20-overs-a-side) |
| 2017 | England & Wales | Pakistan | India | Pakistan won by 180 runs |
Most runs in ICC Champions Trophy
Chris Gayle tops the list with 791 runs. He is followed by Mahela Jayawardene, Shikhar Dhawan, Kumar Sangakkara, and Sourav Ganguly
| Rank | Player | Country | Inn | Runs | Avg | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 17 | 791 | 52.73 | 133* |
| 2 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 21 | 742 | 41.22 | 84* |
| 3 | Shikhar Dhawan | India | 10 | 701 | 77.88 | 125 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 21 | 683 | 37.94 | 134* |
| 5 | Sourav Ganguly | India | 11 | 665 | 73.88 | 141* |
Most wickets in Champions Trophy
Kyle Mills dominates the list with an impressive record of 28 wickets. He is followed by Lastih Malinga with 25 wickets. The third on the list is Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, with 24 wickets. Check out the list below.
| Rank | Player | Country | Mat | Wckts | Avg | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Mills | New Zealand | 15 | 28 | 17.25 | 4/30 |
| 2 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 16 | 25 | 30.64 | 4/34 |
| 3 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 17 | 24 | 20.16 | 4/15 |
| 4 | Brett Lee | Australia | 16 | 22 | 26.86 | 3/38 |
| 5 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 12 | 21 | 19.61 | 5/37 |
| 6 | James Anderson | England | 12 | 21 | 21.76 | 3/20 |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 17 | 20 | 26.25 | 5/30 |
Champions Trophy Live Streaming & Broadcast
The ICC Champions Trophy will be available on the Star Sports Network on television. The live streaming of the Champions Trophy will be available on the Disney+Hotstar app.
Where can I buy Champions Trophy tickets?
Fans can purchase tickets online through the official ICC website. The site provides options to select seating categories and view ticket availability for specific matches. Tickets may also be available at select outlets in Pakistan. Fans are advised to check updates from ICC and local authorities for the latest information.
FAQs on ICC Champions Trophy
The tournament will begin on February 19 and the final will be on March 9, 2025.
The tournament will be hosted primarily in Pakistan, with matches involving India played in Dubai, UAE.
A total of eight teams will compete, divided into two groups.
The tournament features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with each team playing three matches in the group stage.
The teams include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand in Group A and Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa in Group B.
The final is scheduled for March 9, 2025, in either Lahore or Dubai. If India qualify for the final, the match will be in Dubai. Otherwise, Lahore will host the final.
There will be a total of 15 matches played over the course of the tournament.
The last edition in 2017 was won by Pakistan, who defeated India in the final.
Fans can watch live streams on platforms like Willow and Sling TV in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. In the Indian subcontinent, Star Sports is the official broadcaster.
India and Australia are the most successful teams in Champions Trophy. Both sides have won two titles each. India have made 4 final appearances.
