The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to make a grand return after an eight-year hiatus, bringing back the thrill of ODI cricket. The tournament will kick off on February 19, 2025, and will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a historic moment as Pakistan hosts a major ICC event for the first time in nearly three decades.
Tournament Format and Groups
The tournament will feature eight top-ranked teams, divided into two groups:
Group A:
- Pakistan (Host)
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Venues and Key Fixtures
The matches will be held across multiple venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, due to ongoing political tensions, India’s matches will be played in Dubai, UAE.
Opening Match
The tournament will begin with an exciting clash between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19, 2025.
India vs Pakistan – The Biggest Rivalry
One of the most highly anticipated matches will be India vs Pakistan, set to take place in Dubai. This match is expected to draw millions of viewers globally.
Squads and Key Players
All teams have finalized their 15-member squads, featuring some of the biggest names in world cricket. Here are some key updates:
- Pakistan will be led by Mohammad Rizwan.
- India will be captained by Rohit Sharma.
- Australia will be without key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain.
- England, South Africa, and New Zealand have retained most of their core squads from recent ICC tournaments.
Warm-Up Matches
To help teams prepare, ICC has scheduled warm-up matches from February 14 to 17, 2025. These matches will feature teams like Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh, giving them an opportunity to adjust to playing conditions.
Significance for Pakistan
Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is a significant achievement for Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sees this as an opportunity to prove that the country is ready for more international cricket events in the future.
Where to Watch Champions Trophy 2025?
Fans can catch the live action on various TV channels, streaming platforms, and mobile apps. Some of the official broadcasters include:
- Star Sports (India)
- PTV Sports (Pakistan)
- Sky Sports (UK)
- Willow TV (USA and Canada)
For online streaming, platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, and ICC.tv will provide coverage.
Conclusion
With high-stakes matches, legendary rivalries, and a thrilling format, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be one of the biggest cricket events of the year. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin and witness history unfold. Stay tuned for more updates!
