The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marking the return of this prestigious tournament after an eight-year hiatus. Hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it will feature eight of the world's top-ranked One Day International (ODI) teams competing for the coveted trophy.
Host Selection and Venues
Pakistan was announced as the host for the 2025 Champions Trophy on November 16, 2021, as part of the 2024-2031 ICC men's hosts cycle. This will be Pakistan's first global tournament since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Due to political tensions, matches involving India will be played in the UAE.
Tournament Format
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, culminating in the final. A total of 15 matches will be played over 19 days.
Participating Teams and Squads
The participating teams are:
Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
Group B: India, England, South Africa, Australia
Each team has announced its squad for the tournament. Notably, India's leading fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out due to a lower back injury, with Harshit Rana named as his replacement.
Broadcasting Rights
StarzPlay has secured the streaming rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring fans across the Middle East and North Africa can watch the matches live.
Australia has faced significant setbacks ahead of the tournament. Mitchell Starc withdrew from the Champions Trophy squad for personal reasons, leaving the team without their three leading fast bowlers, as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also unavailable due to injuries. Steve Smith will lead the team in the upcoming matches.
As the tournament approaches, teams are finalizing their preparations, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the return of the ICC Champions Trophy.
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