JYNEWS, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy, one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments, is set to return in 2025 after an eight-year hiatus. This edition promises to bring the excitement of top-tier One Day International (ODI) cricket to fans worldwide, with the tournament slated to run from February 19 to March 9. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the 2025 Champions Trophy, covering schedules, teams, where to watch, and much more.
The Schedule
The tournament kicks off with a clash between hosts and defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. Here’s a breakdown of the key matches:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh in Dubai
- February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa in Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs. England in Lahore
- February 23: The much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match in Dubai
- February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand in Rawalpindi
- February 25: Australia vs. South Africa in Rawalpindi
- February 26: Afghanistan vs. England in Lahore
- February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in Rawalpindi
- February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia in Lahore
- March 1: South Africa vs. England in Karachi
- March 2: New Zealand vs. India in Dubai
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5, with the first semi-final in Dubai and the second in Lahore. The final will be held on March 9 in Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case it shifts to Dubai due to the hybrid hosting model.
Match Times
All group stage matches will start at 2:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), translating to 4:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) for viewers in the USA. The final is set for 5:00 AM EST on March 9.
Squads
Each team will have a squad of fifteen players, with the possibility of additional traveling reserves. Here’s a look at some of the key squads:
- India: Led by Rohit Sharma, the squad includes stars like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, with notable inclusions like Kuldeep Yadav and Rishabh Pant.
- Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan captains a team featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Afridi, among others.
- Australia: Under the captaincy of Aaron Finch, the squad boasts players like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Glenn Maxwell.
- England: With Joe Root back in the mix, the team led by Jos Buttler includes talents like Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
- New Zealand: Kane Williamson’s leadership will guide a squad with players like Trent Boult and Devon Conway.
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma leads a strong lineup with Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, and Faf du Plessis.
- Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim are key members of this squad.
- Afghanistan: Making their debut in the Champions Trophy, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi are among the highlights.
Where to Watch
- In India: Star Sports Network will televise the matches live, with streaming available on JioHotstar. Coverage will be in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and several regional languages.
- In Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports will broadcast the games, with streaming on Myco and Tamasha apps.
- In the UAE: Matches will be on CricLife MAX and CricLife MAX2, with streaming on STARZPLAY.
- In the UK: Sky Sports will be the go-to channel, with streaming options on SkyGo, NOW, and the Sky Sports App.
- Worldwide: Fans can check local broadcasters or use VPN services to access these streaming platforms.
Point System and Format
The tournament operates on a point system where:
- A win earns a team 2 points.
- A no-result match gives each team 1 point.
- The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals based on points and net run rate (NRR).
Highlights and Points of Interest
- India vs. Pakistan: This match, set for February 23 in Dubai, is not just a cricket match but a cultural phenomenon, drawing global attention due to the intense rivalry.
- Afghanistan’s Debut: Afghanistan’s participation marks their first appearance in the Champions Trophy, bringing fresh energy to the tournament.
- Prize Money: The total prize pool is approximately $6.9 million, with the winners taking home $2.24 million, a 53% increase from the 2017 edition.
- Hybrid Model: Due to political tensions, India’s matches are being held in Dubai, showcasing the complexities of international cricket politics.
Q&A
Q: Why isn’t India playing in Pakistan?
A: Due to ongoing security concerns and political tensions, India has opted not to travel to Pakistan, leading to a hybrid model where their matches are played in Dubai.
Q: How does the tournament handle tied matches?
A: Tied matches will proceed to a Super Over to determine the winner. If the Super Over also results in a tie, additional Super Overs will be played until a winner emerges.
Q: Are there reserve days for knockout matches?
A: Yes, both semi-finals and the final have reserve days. Efforts will be made to complete the game on the scheduled day, but if not possible, play resumes on the reserve day.
Q: Can fans get tickets for the final in advance?
A: Tickets for the final will only be available after the first semi-final, as the venue (Lahore or Dubai) depends on India’s qualification.
Q: What if a match is interrupted by rain?
A: For group matches, a result requires at least 20 overs per side. For knockout stages, at least 25 overs are needed for the team batting second for a result via Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Conclusion
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is poised to be a thrilling event in the cricket calendar, bringing together some of the best teams in a high-stakes environment. With its unique format, intense rivalries, and the debut of new teams, it promises to captivate fans around the globe. Whether you’re watching in the stands or streaming from home, this tournament is set to deliver memorable cricketing moments.