JYNEWS, Champions Trophy 2025 : The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to ignite cricketing passion like never before, as eight elite teams clash in a high-octane battle for glory. From February 19 to March 9, Pakistan and Dubai will host this electrifying tournament, blending fierce rivalries, cutting-edge talent, and unforgettable moments. With India’s matches shifted to Dubai due to political tensions and a star-studded lineup of players, here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, top performers, and burning questions ahead of cricket’s grand return.
The 2025 Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19 in Karachi, Pakistan, with the host nation facing New Zealand. The group stage runs until March 2, followed by semi-finals on March 4–5 and the final on March 9. The tournament follows a hybrid model:
: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi (hosting all non-India matches).
: Exclusive host for India’s group-stage and knockout games (if qualified).
:
: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi)
: India vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
: India vs Pakistan (Dubai) – The blockbuster clash!
: Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
: Semi-final 2 (Lahore)
: Final (Dubai if India qualifies; Lahore otherwise)
:
: Two groups of four teams each. Top two advance to semi-finals.
: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand.
: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa.
: Batting Maestro
: The ICC’s top-ranked ODI batter, Babar Azam, averages 55.98 in ODIs with 19 centuries. Despite stepping down as captain, his elegance and consistency make him Pakistan’s linchpin.
: Scored 4 consecutive 50+ scores in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
: Aggressive Opener
: With an ODI average of 60.16 and two recent centuries, Gill is India’s golden boy. His flair against pace and spin makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
: Became the fastest Indian to 2,000 ODI runs (38 innings).
: Pace Spearhead
: Left-arm menace with 104 ODI wickets at 23.5. His toe-crushing yorkers and swing could dismantle India’s top order in their Dubai showdown.
: Took 6/35 vs Australia in 2023 – his career-best.
: Captain & All-Rounder
: Leading Australia’s charge, Cummins combines lethal pace (141 ODI wickets) with tactical brilliance. His leadership won Australia the 2023 ODI World Cup.
: 15 wickets in 8 matches during the 2023 World Cup.
: Explosive Opener
: The 2017 final hero (114 vs India) returns! Known for big-match temperament, Fakhar’s aggressive starts could set the tone for Pakistan.
: Averages 49.2 in ICC tournaments.
: Why are India’s matches in Dubai?
A: Political tensions between India and Pakistan led the ICC to schedule India’s games in Dubai as a neutral venue.
: Who are the favorites to win?
A: India (led by Rohit Sharma) and Australia (led by Pat Cummins) are frontrunners. Pakistan, playing at home, is a dark horse.
: Which player could be the breakout star?
A: Harshit Rana (India) – The young pacer, with his 150+ kmph speed and clever variations, could surprise batters.
: How does Pakistan’s squad stack up?
A: Strong! With Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan balances experience and aggression. Watch out for vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, a rising all-rounder.
: What’s India’s biggest weakness?
A: Over-reliance on top order (Rohit, Gill, Kohli). Middle-order batters like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant must step up.
: Can Afghanistan pull off an upset?
A: Absolutely. With spin wizard Rashid Khan and power-hitter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, they’re capable of shocking giants like Australia or England.
The Champions Trophy 2025 isn’t just about lifting the trophy—it’s about legacy. For India, it’s a chance to end their ICC title drought. For Pakistan, hosting a global event after 29 years is a historic moment. With icons like Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler in the mix, every match promises edge-of-the-seat drama.
Mark your calendars: The India-Pakistan clash on February 23 in Dubai will be THE match to watch. Will Sharma’s men avenge 2017, or will Afridi’s firepower reign supreme?
Stay tuned – cricket’s greatest spectacle is about to unfold!