The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide as it returns after an eight-year hiatus. Hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the tournament runs from February 19 to March 9, 2025, featuring the top eight One Day International (ODI) teams competing for the prestigious title.
Tournament Overview
- Dates: February 19 – March 9, 2025
- Hosts: Pakistan and UAE
- Format: Two groups of four teams; top two from each group advance to semi-finals
- Total Matches: 15
Participating Teams and Groups
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups:
- Group A:
- Pakistan (Hosts)
- India
- Bangladesh
- New Zealand
- Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Afghanistan makes its debut in the Champions Trophy, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.
Venues
Matches are scheduled across various venues in Pakistan and the UAE:
- Pakistan:
- National Stadium, Karachi
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- UAE:
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Due to security concerns, all of India’s matches will be held in Dubai.
Tournament Schedule
The Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, 2025, with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is set for February 23, 2025, in Dubai. The final is scheduled for March 9, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be held in Dubai.
Recent Developments
- Player Updates: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out due to an abdominal injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been called up as his replacement.
Reuters - Team Preparations: India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, emphasizes the need for substantial contributions from the top order, with high expectations from Shubman Gill.
Reuters - Tournament Resilience: Despite challenges, the Champions Trophy remains a significant event, showcasing top-tier cricket and generating substantial broadcast revenue.
The Guardian
How to Watch
Cricket fans can catch the live action through various broadcasters:
- India: JioStar (Streaming on Jio Hotstar; TV coverage on Star and Network 18 channels)
- Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports; streaming on Myco and Tamasha app
- UAE: CricLife Max and CricLife Max2; streaming on STARZPLAY
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action; digital coverage via SkyGO, NOW, and Sky Sports App
- USA and Canada: WillowTV; streaming on Willow by Cricbuzz app (Hindi coverage available)
- Australia: PrimeVideo (coverage available in Hindi)
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ; digital coverage via Now and SkyGo app
- South Africa: SuperSport and SuperSport App
- Bangladesh: Nagorik TV and T Sports; digital via Toffee app
- Afghanistan: ATN
- Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1 on Linear); digital via Sirasa
For a comprehensive list of broadcasters and streaming options, visit the official ICC website.
Official Anthem
The tournament’s official anthem, “Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke,” features renowned artist Atif Aslam, capturing the spirit and excitement of the Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. As teams vie for supremacy in the ODI format, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a showcase of cricketing excellence.