ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most thrilling cricket tournaments of the decade. With 8 elite teams battling for glory, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the action-packed matches. This article covers everything you need to know about the tournament, including team details, head-to-head records, highest scores, and more. Let’s dive into the excitement!

What is the Champions Trophy?

The ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious international cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Often referred to as the “Mini World Cup,” it features the top-ranked teams in the world competing in a fast-paced, high-stakes format. The 2025 edition promises to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition.

Teams Participating in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The tournament will feature 8 teams, including the top-ranked ODI sides and qualifiers. Here’s the confirmed list:

 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Qualifiers For ODI:

Team ICC Ranking (ODI)
India 1
Australia 2
Pakistan 3
New Zealand 4
South Africa 5
England 7
Afghanistan 8
Bangladesh 9

ICC Cricket Rankings for ODIs:

Position Team Matches Points Rating
1 India 48 5726 119
2 Australia 44 4826 110
3 Pakistan 38 4122 108
4 New Zealand 41 4256 104
5 South Africa 41 4091 100
6 Sri Lanka 60 5954 99
7 England 39 3569 92
8 Afghanistan 39 3365 86
9 Bangladesh 46 3730 81
10 West Indies 41 3185 78
11 Ireland 27 1413 52
12 Scotland 31 1586 51
13 Zimbabwe 31 1586 51
14 Netherlands 42 1763 42
15 Canada 17 562 33
16 U.S.A. 35 1124 32
17 Oman 34 1058 31
18 Nepal 41 1077 26
19 Namibia 32 749 23
20 U.A.E. 38 393 10

ICC Champions Trophy Winners List

Here’s a look at the past winners of the ICC Champions Trophy:

Year Winner Runner-Up
1998 South Africa West Indies
2000 New Zealand India
2004 West Indies England
2006 Australia West Indies
2009 Australia New Zealand
2013 India England
2017 Pakistan India
2025 ? ?

Head-to-Head Records

Here’s a comparison of head-to-head records between the top teams in the Champions Trophy:

Teams Matches Played Team A Wins Team B Wins Tied/NR
India vs Pakistan 5 3 2 0
Australia vs England 6 4 2 0
South Africa vs NZ 4 2 2 0
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3 2 1 0

Highest Scores in ICC Champions Trophy History

The tournament has witnessed some breathtaking performances. Here are the highest team scores:

Team Score Opponent Year
India 357/8 Pakistan 2025
South Africa 341/6 Sri Lanka 2025
Australia 334/4 England 2025
Pakistan 329/6 India 2025

Venues and Schedule

The Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted across multiple iconic stadiums. The final is scheduled to take place at the Lahore, Punjab, ensuring a grand finish to the tournament.

Why Champions Trophy 2025 is a Must-Watch

  1. High-Octane Matches: With only 8 teams, every game is crucial.
  2. Rivalries Renewed: India vs Pakistan, Australia vs England, and more.
  3. Emerging Stars: Young talents will shine on the global stage.
  4. ICC Legacy: A tournament that has given us unforgettable moments.

Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature a total of 15 matches, including the semi-finals and the final. The tournament will follow a round-robin format in the group stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. Below is the detailed schedule:

Group Stage

Group A: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, South Africa, England, Afghanistan

Date Match Venue Time (IST)
Feb 19, 2025 New Zealand vs Pakistan Karachi 2:00 PM
Feb 20, 2025 India vs Bangladesh Dubai (DICS) 2:00 PM
Feb 21, 2025 South Africa vs Afghanistan Karachi 2:00 PM
Feb 22, 2025 Australia vs England Lahore 2:00 PM
Feb 23, 2025 India vs Pakistan Dubai (DICS) 2:00 PM
Feb 24, 2025 New Zealand vs Bangladesh Rawalpindi 2:00 PM
Feb 25, 2025 South Africa vs Australia Rawalpindi 2:00 PM
Feb 26, 2025 England vs Afghanistan Lahore 2:00 PM
Feb 27, 2025 Pakistan vs Bangladesh Rawalpindi 2:00 PM
Feb 28, 2025 Afghanistan vs Australia Lahore 2:00 PM
Mar 01, 2025 South Africa vs England Karachi 2:00 PM
Mar 02, 2025 India vs New Zealand Dubai (DICS) 2:00 PM

Knockout Stage

Date Match Venue Time (IST)
Mar 04, 2025 Semi-Final 1 (Group A 1st vs Group B 2nd) Dubai (DICS) 2:00 PM
Mar 05, 2025 Semi-Final 2 (Group B 1st vs Group A 2nd) Lahore 2:00 PM
Mar 09, 2025 Final Lahore 2:00 PM

Key Highlights of the Schedule

  1. Blockbuster Opener: The tournament kicks off with the high-voltage clash between New Zealand and Pakistan on February 19, 2025, at the iconic Karachi.
  2. Rivalry Matches:
    • India vs Pakistan on February 23, 2025.
    • Australia vs England on February 22, 2025.
    • Australia vs South Africa on February 25, 2025
  3. Semi-Finals: The top two teams from each group will battle it out for a spot in the final.
  4. Grand Finale: The final will be held on March 09, 2025, at the Lahore, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Venues for Champions Trophy 2025

The tournament will be hosted across four world-class stadiums in India:

    1. Karachi (Capacity: 34,238)
    2. Dubai (DICS) (Capacity: 25,000)
    3. Lahore (Capacity: 34,000)
    4. Rawalpindi (Capacity: 20,000)

How to Watch Champions Trophy 2025

Why This Schedule is Exciting

  • Short and Intense: The tournament is compact, ensuring every match is high-stakes.
  • Prime Time Matches: All games are scheduled at 2:00 PM IST, making it convenient for fans across the globe.
  • Iconic Venues: The matches will be played at some of the most historic cricket grounds in the world.

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of All Teams

The CT 2025 will feature the best cricketers from around the world, representing their nations in this prestigious tournament. Below are the official squads for all 8 participating teams. These squads are packed with star players, emerging talents, and match-winners who are ready to light up the tournament.

1-India Squad

India, the top-ranked ODI team, has a balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and young guns.

Player Role
Rohit Sharma (c) Batsman
Virat Kohli Batsman
Shubman Gill Batsman
Shreyas Iyer Batsman
KL Rahul Wicketkeeper
Rishabh Pant Wicketkeeper
Hardik Pandya All-rounder
Ravindra Jadeja All-rounder
Axar Patel All-rounder
Washington Sundar All-rounder
Mohammed Shami Bowler
Kuldeep Yadav Bowler
Arshdeep Singh Bowler
Harshit Rana Bowler
Varun Chakravarthy Bowler
2-Australia Squad

Australia, known for their aggressive cricket, has a strong squad with a perfect blend of youth and experience.

Player Role
Steve Smith (c) Batsman
Jake Fraser-McGurk Batsman
Travis Head Batsman
Glenn Maxwell All-rounder
Josh Inglis Wicketkeeper
Marnus Labuschagne Batsman
Alex Carey Wicketkeeper
Matthew Short Batsman
Sean Abbott All-rounder
Aaron Hardie All-rounder
Ben Dwarshuis Bowler
Spencer Johnson Bowler
Tanveer Sangha Bowler
Nathan Ellis Bowler
Adam Zampa Bowler
3-Pakistan Squad

Pakistan, the defending champions, have a dynamic squad with a strong bowling attack.

Player Role
Mohammad Rizwan (c) Wicketkeeper
Babar Azam Batsman
Fakhar Zaman Batsman
Saud Shakeel Batsman
Tayyab Tahir Batsman
Usman Khan Wicketkeeper
Shaheen Afridi Bowler
Haris Rauf Bowler
Naseem Shah Bowler
Salman Agha All-rounder
Mohammad Hasnain Bowler
Abrar Ahmed Bowler
Faheem Ashraf All-rounder
Kamran Ghulam All-rounder
Khushdil Shah All-rounder
4-South Africa Squad

South Africa boasts a squad with explosive batsmen and a lethal pace attack.

Player Role
Temba Bavuma (c) Batsman
Tony de Zorzi Batsman
Aiden Markram All-rounder
Rassie van der Dussen Batsman
David Miller Batsman
Heinrich Klaasen Wicketkeeper
Marco Jansen All-rounder
Ryan Rickelton Batsman
Kagiso Rabada Bowler
Tabraiz Shamsi Bowler
Keshav Maharaj Bowler
Lungi Ngidi Bowler
Tristan Stubbs Batsman
Wiaan Mulder All-rounder
Corbin Bosch All-rounder
5-England Squad

England, the 2019 World Cup champions, have a power-packed squad with aggressive players.

Player Role
Jos Buttler (c) Wicketkeeper
Tom Banton Wicketkeeper
Joe Root Batsman
Ben Duckett Batsman
Harry Brook Batsman
Liam Livingstone All-rounder
Phil Salt Wicketkeeper
Jamie Smith Batsman
Brydon Carse All-rounder
Jamie Overton All-rounder
Mark Wood Bowler
Adil Rashid Bowler
Jofra Archer Bowler
Saqib Mahmood Bowler
Gus Atkinson Bowler
6-New Zealand Squad

New Zealand, known for their consistency, has a well-rounded squad.

Player Role
Kane Williamson  Batsman
Devon Conway Wicketkeeper
Tom Latham Wicketkeeper
Daryl Mitchell All-rounder
Glenn Phillips All-rounder
Mitchell Santner (c) All-rounder
Will Young Batsman
Rachin Ravindra All-rounder
Jacob Duffy Bowler
Will O’Rourke Bowler
Matt Henry Bowler
Michael Bracewell All-rounder
Mark Chapman All-rounder
Nathan Smith All-rounder
7-Afghanistan Squad

Afghanistan Squad, a team on the rise, has a mix of experienced players and young talents.

Player Role
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) Batsman
Ibrahim Zadran Batsman
Ikram Alikhil Wicketkeeper
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Wicketkeeper
Sediqullah Atal Batsman
Rahmat Shah (vc) All-rounder
Azmatullah Omarzai All-rounder
Gulbadin Naib All-rounder
Mohammad Nabi All-rounder
Nangeyalia Kharote All-rounder
Rashid Khan All-rounder
Fareed Ahmad Bowler
Fazalhaq Farooqi Bowler
Naveed Zadran Bowler
Noor Ahmad Bowler
8-Bangladesh Squad

Bangladesh, a team known for their fighting spirit, has a squad full of potential match-winners.

Player Role
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) Batsman
Jaker Ali Wicketkeeper
Mushfiqur Rahim Wicketkeeper
Parvez Hossain Emon Wicketkeeper
Tanzid Hasan Batsman
Towhid Hridoy Batsman
Mahmudullah All-rounder
Mehidy Hasan Miraz All-rounder
Nasum Ahmed All-rounder
Mustafizur Rahman Bowler
Rishad Hossain All-rounder
Soumya Sarkar All-rounder
Tanzim Hasan Sakib All-rounder
Nahid Rana Bowler
Taskin Ahmed Bowler

Key Players to Watch in 2025

    • India: Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami
    • Australia: Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell
    • Pakistan: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi
    • England: Jos Buttler, Phil Salt
    • South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada
    • New Zealand: Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner

Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table

The Champions Trophy 2025 will follow a round-robin format in the group stage, with each team playing three matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. Below is the live points table for the tournament (updated as of the latest matches):

 

Group A Points Table
Team Matches Played Won Lost Tied/NR Net Run Rate (NRR) Points
India 0 0 0 0 0 0
New Zealand 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pakistan 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bangladesh 0 0 0 0 0 0
Group B Points Table
Team Matches Played Won Lost Tied/NR Net Run Rate (NRR) Points
Australia 0 0 0 0 0 0
South Africa 0 0 0 0 0 0
England 0 0 0 0 0 0
Afghanistan 0 0 0 0 0 0
Semi-Final Qualifiers
  • Group A: ??
  • Group B: ??

Champions Trophy 2017 Points Table

For comparison, here’s a look back at the 2017 Champions Trophy points table, which followed a similar format.

Group A Points Table (2017)
Team Matches Played Won Lost Tied/NR Net Run Rate (NRR) Points
England 3 3 0 0 +1.05 6
Bangladesh 3 1 1 1 0.00 3
Australia 3 0 1 2 -0.99 2
New Zealand 3 0 2 1 -1.05 1
Group B Points Table (2017)
Team Matches Played Won Lost Tied/NR Net Run Rate (NRR) Points
India 3 2 1 0 +1.37 4
Pakistan 3 2 1 0 -0.68 4
South Africa 3 1 2 0 +0.16 2
Sri Lanka 3 1 2 0 -0.80 2
Semi-Final Qualifiers (2017)
  • Group A: England, Bangladesh
  • Group B: India, Pakistan

Comparison Between 2017 and 2025

  1. Dominance of Teams:
    • In 2017, England dominated Group A, while India and Pakistan were strong in Group B.
    • In 2025, ?.
  2. Surprise Packages:
    • 2017: Bangladesh surprised everyone by qualifying for the semi-finals.
    • 2025: ?.
  3. Net Run Rate (NRR):
    • Teams in 2025 are focusing more on NRR.

List of Injured Players in Champions Trophy 2025

Injuries are an unfortunate part of any high-intensity tournament like the Champions Trophy 2025. Several key players have been ruled out or are under injury scrutiny, which could impact their team’s performance. Below is the updated list of injured players and their status for the tournament.

  1. India
    • Jasprit Bumrah: Suffered a back strain during practice. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
      ReplacementHarshit Rana
    • Yashasvi Jaiswal: Fully fit but not selected.
      ReplacementShubman Gill (vc)
  1. Australia
    • Mitchell Marsh: Injured his ankle during a training session. ReplacementMatthew Short
    • Marcus Stoinis: Injured ReplacementAaron Hardie
    • Pat Cummins: Suffered a hamstring tear. Ruled out for the entire tournament. ReplacementBen Dwarshuis
    • Josh Hazlewood: Injured. ReplacementSpencer Johnson
    • Mitchell Starc: Suffered a hamstring tear. Ruled out for the entire tournament. ReplacementNathan Ellis
  1. Pakistan
    • None
  1. South Africa
    • Anrich Nortje: Suffered a stress fracture in his back. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
      ReplacementLungi Ngidi
  1. England
    • Jacob Bethell: Elbow injury flare-up. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
      ReplacementBrydon Carse
  1. New Zealand
    • Lockie Ferguson: Twisted his ankle during a warm-up game. Doubtful for the first two matches.
      ReplacementLockie Ferguson
    • Ben Sears: Mild calf strain. Expected to recover before the second match. ReplacementNathan Smith
  1. Afghanistan
    • AM Ghazanfar: Hamstring injury. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
      ReplacementFareed Ahmad
  1. Bangladesh
    • None

Impact of Injuries on Teams

  1. India: Losing Bumrah is a massive blow to their bowling attack.
  2. Australia: The absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis weakens their bowling and middle-order firepower.
  3. Pakistan: None.
  4. South Africa: Nortje’s absence leaves a gap in their pace attack.
  5. England: Jacob Bethell’s injury is a significant setback for their bowling unit.
  6. New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears absence could affect their bowling stability.
  7. Afghanistan: AM Ghazanfar’s injury is a huge loss for their spin department.
  8. Bangladesh: None.

Key Replacements to Watch

  • Harshit Rana (India): Will lead the pace attack in Bumrah’s absence.
  • Aaron Hardie (Australia): A dynamic all-rounder who can fill Mitchell Marsh’s shoes.
  • Lungi Ngidi (South Africa): A young pacer with raw pace and potential.
  • Fareed Ahmad (Afghanistan): A promising spinner who could step up in Afghanistan absence.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Our Predictions and Analysis

The Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory. With eight top teams battling it out, predicting the winner is no easy task. However, based on current form, squad strength, and historical performance, here’s an in-depth analysis and prediction for the tournament.

Top Contenders for the Title

    1. India
      • Strengths: A balanced squad with world-class batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and a strong bowling attack led by Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav.
      • Weaknesses: The absence of Jasprit Bumrah could hurt their death bowling.
      • Key PlayerVirat Kohli – His form will be crucial in high-pressure games.
      • PredictionFinalists – India’s depth and home advantage make them strong contenders.
    2. Australia
      • Strengths: A powerful batting lineup with Travis Head and Steve Smith, and a versatile bowling attack.
      • Weaknesses: Injuries to Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins could impact their balance.
      • Key PlayerSteven Smith – His leadership and batting will be vital.
      • PredictionSemi-Finalists – Australia’s experience in ICC tournaments makes them a threat.
    3. South Africa
      • Strengths: Explosive batting with Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram, and a lethal pace attack featuring Kagiso Rabada.
      • Weaknesses: Historically, they’ve struggled in knockout games.
      • Key PlayerKagiso Rabada – His ability to take early wickets will be crucial.
      • PredictionSemi-Finalists – South Africa’s current form makes them a strong contender.
    4. Pakistan
      • Strengths: A strong bowling attack led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, and a solid batting lineup with Babar Azam.
      • Weaknesses: Inconsistency in batting and over-reliance on Babar Azam.
      • Key PlayerBabar Azam – His consistency will be key to Pakistan’s success.
      • PredictionFinalists – Pakistan’s ability to perform in ICC tournaments makes them a dark horse.

Dark Horses

    1. England
      • Strengths: A deep batting lineup with Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, and a versatile bowling attack.
      • Weaknesses: Ben Stokes (initially) could affect their balance.
      • Key PlayerJos Buttler – His explosive batting can change the game.
      • PredictionQuarter-Finalists – England’s aggressive style could take them far, but injuries might hold them back.
    1. New Zealand
      • Strengths: A well-rounded team with Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner.
      • Weaknesses: Injuries to Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears could hurt their chances.
      • Key PlayerMatt Henry – His swing bowling will be crucial in Indian conditions.
      • PredictionQuarter-Finalists – New Zealand’s consistency makes them a threat, but injuries might limit their progress.

Underdogs

    1. Sri Lanka
    • Strengths: A young and energetic squad with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan.
    • Weaknesses: Lack of experience in high-pressure games.
    • Key PlayerMohammad Nabi – His all-round abilities are vital.
    • PredictionGroup Stage Exit – Sri Lanka might struggle against stronger teams.
  1. Bangladesh
    • Strengths: A fighting spirit and experienced players like Najmul Hossain Shanto.
    • Weaknesses: Over-reliance on a few key players.
    • Key PlayerMahmudullah – His all-round performance will be crucial.

PredictionGroup Stage Exit – Bangladesh might find it tough to compete against top teams.

Final Prediction

  • FinalIndia vs Pakistan
  • WinnerPakistan
Reasoning:
  • India’s strong batting lineup, home advantage, and balanced squad make them the favorites.
  • Pakistan’s bowling attack and ability to perform in ICC tournaments make them strong contenders, but India’s depth and experience in high-pressure games give them the edge.

Key Factors That Could Influence the Outcome

  1. Home Advantage: Pakistan’s familiarity with the conditions could be a game-changer.
  2. Injuries: Teams with fewer injury concerns (like India and South Africa) have a better chance.
  3. Form of Key Players: Players like Virat KohliBabar Azam, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson and Kagiso Rabada will play a crucial role.
  4. Knockout Pressure: Teams with a history of performing well in knockouts (like India and Pakistan) have an advantage.

Conclusion

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a cricketing spectacle like no other. With eight elite teams, world-class players, and high-stakes matches, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition. From the blockbuster opener between India and Pakistan to the thrilling knockout stages, every match will be a battle for supremacy.

India, with their balanced squad and home advantage, are the favorites to lift the trophy, but teams like England, PakistanSouth Africa, and Australia are strong contenders capable of causing upsets. The tournament will also be a platform for emerging talents to shine and for cricketing legends to cement their legacy.

Injuries to key players like Jasprit BumrahMitchell Starc, and Mitchell Marsh have added an element of unpredictability, but their replacements are ready to step up and make an impact. The points tablehead-to-head records, and highest scores will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds.

As the cricketing world gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025, one thing is certain: this tournament will be a celebration of the sport, showcasing the passion, skill, and spirit of cricket. Whether you’re a fan of explosive batting, lethal bowling, or nail-biting finishes, the Champions Trophy 2025 has it all.