New Delhi: After the excitement of the T20 World Cup and the intense race to the World Test Championship final, the cricketing world turns its attention to ODI cricket with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Set to kick off on February 19 in Pakistan, this marks the first major ICC event in the country since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
While 2024 saw ODIs take a backseat after the thrilling 2023 ICC ODI World Cup in India, the Champions Trophy is ready to reignite the format’s appeal. This tournament is particularly special, as it returns after an eight-year break, with the previous edition held in 2017, where Pakistan triumphed in a stunning 180-run victory over India in the final at The Oval.
The tournament features eight teams split into two groups of four. Group A consists of arch-rivals Pakistan and India, alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand, setting the stage for exciting encounters. Meanwhile, Group B includes World Champions Australia, England, South Africa, and the debutant Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
India enters the Champions Trophy as one of the favorites, with a star-studded squad despite the injury to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s batting lineup remains formidable, with heavyweights like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer at the top of the order.
India’s strength lies in their all-round depth, with Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar offering balance. The inclusion of fresh talents like Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy adds variety to the bowling attack. Having finished as runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup, India will be determined to go one step further.
India squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
Pakistan: The Hosts Eyeing Home Glory Amidst Pressure
As hosts and defending champions, Pakistan faces the pressure of expectations. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, they will look to capitalize on home advantage and repeat their 2017 success. However, challenges remain, including recent coaching instability, with Aqib Javed serving as interim coach.
Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, remains one of their key strengths. The batting lineup, led by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, must perform consistently under pressure.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand: Strong contenders under new leadership
New Zealand, now under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, are always strong contenders in ICC tournaments. Known for their consistency, they’ll be keen to secure their first major ODI trophy since their 2000 ICC Knockout win against India.
Their campaign opens with a crucial match against Pakistan in Karachi, which could set the tone for the rest of their tournament. With stalwarts like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Lockie Ferguson, the Kiwis possess a well-rounded squad capable of challenging the best.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
Bangladesh: The underdogs with big dreams
Bangladesh has a history of punching above its weight in ICC tournaments, and captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto has set high expectations, saying, “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions.”
Despite mixed results in recent series, Bangladesh will draw confidence from their semi-final run in 2017, where they stunned New Zealand with a record chase in Cardiff. Experienced players like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim will play crucial roles, while emerging talents like Tawhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz aim to make an impact.
Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
Group A Fixtures:
- February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- February 20 – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- February 23 – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- February 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
- March 2 – India vs New Zealand, Dubai
The semi-finals will be played on March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore), with the final set for March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, if India qualifies, the final will be moved to Dubai.
A group of fireworks and high stakes: With the Pakistan-India rivalry, a resilient Bangladesh, and a determined New Zealand, Group A promises to deliver some of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament. The race for the semi-finals will be intense, making for a thrilling start to the 2025 cricketing year.
Will India finally lift the Champions Trophy after narrowly missing out in 2017? Can Pakistan defend their title on home soil? Or will New Zealand or Bangladesh surprise the cricketing world? The answers begin to unfold on February 19.
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