The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments in the world of cricket. After an eight-year hiatus, the prestigious event is set to return, bringing together the world’s top cricketing nations for a battle of supremacy in the One Day International (ODI) format. From thrilling encounters to intense rivalries, this tournament is bound to keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s everything you need to know about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including its schedule, squads, and where to watch all the action.
Overview of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the ICC Champions Trophy will see eight of the world’s best teams competing for glory. The tournament will feature a round-robin group stage, followed by semi-finals and the grand final. After a long gap since the last edition in 2017, the return of the Champions Trophy is generating a lot of buzz within the cricket community.
The tournament will be held across two countries – Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although India was originally supposed to host the event, the matches will be played at neutral venues due to various political and security concerns.
Groups and Format
The eight participating teams are divided into two groups, as follows:
- Group A:
- India
- Pakistan
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
- Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Each team will play three group-stage matches, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The best two teams will then compete for the coveted Champions Trophy title in the final.
Where to Watch ICC Champions Trophy 2025
For cricket fans in India, the tournament will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, with matches available on channels such as Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, and Star Sports Select.
Fans can also stream the matches online via Disney+ Hotstar, which will provide live streaming in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
If you’re not in India, you can check with local broadcasters in your region to find out the schedule and where the matches will be aired.
Match Schedule
Here’s a detailed look at the full schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- February 19, 2025:
- Pakistan vs. New Zealand – National Stadium, Karachi – 2:30 PM IST
- February 20, 2025:
- Bangladesh vs. India – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai – 2:30 PM IST
- February 21, 2025:
- Afghanistan vs. South Africa – National Stadium, Karachi – 2:30 PM IST
- February 22, 2025:
- Australia vs. England – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 2:30 PM IST
- February 23, 2025:
- Pakistan vs. India – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai – 2:30 PM IST
- February 24, 2025:
- Bangladesh vs. New Zealand – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – 2:30 PM IST
- February 25, 2025:
- Australia vs. South Africa – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – 2:30 PM IST
- February 26, 2025:
- Afghanistan vs. England – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 2:30 PM IST
- February 27, 2025:
- Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi – 2:30 PM IST
- February 28, 2025:
- Afghanistan vs. Australia – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 2:30 PM IST
- March 1, 2025:
- South Africa vs. England – National Stadium, Karachi – 2:30 PM IST
- March 2, 2025:
- New Zealand vs. India – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai – 2:30 PM IST
- March 4, 2025:
- Semi-final 1 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai – 2:30 PM IST
- March 5, 2025:
- Semi-final 2 – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 2:30 PM IST
- March 9, 2025:
- Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (or Dubai International Cricket Stadium, depending on India’s qualification) – 2:30 PM IST
India’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India has announced a formidable squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, is one of the favorites to lift the trophy. The squad includes some of the most experienced and talented players in international cricket, including Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Here’s the full India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
- Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
India’s squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, making them a strong contender for the tournament.
Key Teams to Watch
While India is always a top contender, the Pakistan, Australia, England, and South Africa squads are also strong, with star players who can turn the game around in an instant. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, has a rich history in ICC tournaments, while Australia, England, and South Africa have formidable lineups in both batting and bowling departments.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling cricketing event, with top teams battling it out for glory. With the tournament set to begin on February 19, 2025, fans can look forward to exciting encounters, fierce rivalries, and high-quality cricket. Whether you’re watching from home or catching the action at a venue, the Champions Trophy is sure to deliver moments that will be etched in cricket history.
Make sure to mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for one of the biggest cricketing events of 2025!
