Champions Trophy 2025
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:
Here’s a look 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 | India | New Zealand |
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 | 6 | 4 | 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 |
Top 10 Highest Team Totals in ICC Champions Trophy History
The tournament has witnessed some breathtaking performances. Here are the highest team scores:
| Team | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 356/5 | Australia | Lahore | 22 Feb 2025 |
| England | 351/8 | Australia | Lahore | 22 Feb 2025 |
| New Zealand | 347/4 | USA | The Oval | 10 Sep 2004 |
| Pakistan | 338/4 | India | The Oval | 18 Jun 2017 |
| India | 331/7 | South Africa | Cardiff | 6 Jun 2013 |
| England | 323/8 | South Africa | Centurion | 27 Sep 2009 |
| Sri Lanka | 322/3 | India | The Oval | 8 Jun 2017 |
| India | 321/6 | Sri Lanka | The Oval | 8 Jun 2017 |
| New Zealand | 320/5 | Pakistan | National Stadium, Karachi | 19 Feb 2025 |
| India | 319/3 | Pakistan | Birmingham | 4 Jun 2017 |
| Sri Lanka | 319/8 | South Africa | Centurion | 22 Sep 2009 |
| South Africa | 316/5 | South Africa | Colombo (RPS) | 20 Sep 2002 |
Venues and Schedule
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted across multiple iconic stadiums. The final is scheduled to take place at the Dubai (DICS), ensuring a grand finish to the tournament.
Why Champions Trophy 2025 is a Must-Watch
- High-Octane Matches: With only 8 teams, every game is crucial.
- Rivalries Renewed: India vs Pakistan, Australia vs England, and more.
- Emerging Stars: Young talents will shine on the global stage.
- 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) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2025 | New Zealand 320/5 vs Pakistan (47.2/50 ov, T:321) 260 | Karachi | 2:00 PM | New Zealand won by 60 runs |
| Feb 20, 2025 | India (46.3/50 ov, T:229) 231/4 vs Bangladesh 228 | Dubai (DICS) | 2:00 PM | India won by 6 wickets (with 21 balls remaining) |
| Feb 21, 2025 | South Africa 315/6 vs Afghanistan (43.3/50 ov, T:316) 208 | Karachi | 2:00 PM | South Africa won by 107 runs |
| Feb 22, 2025 | Australia (47.3/50 ov, T:352) 356/5 vs England 351/8 | Lahore | 2:00 PM | Australia won by 5 wickets (with 15 balls remaining) |
| Feb 23, 2025 | India (42.3/50 ov, T:242) 244/4 vs Pakistan 241 | Dubai (DICS) | 2:00 PM | India won by 6 wickets (with 45 balls remaining) |
| Feb 24, 2025 | New Zealand (46.1/50 ov, T:237) 240/5 vs Bangladesh 236/9 | Rawalpindi | 2:00 PM | New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 23 balls remaining) |
| Feb 25, 2025 | South Africa vs Australia | Rawalpindi | 2:00 PM | Match abandoned without a ball bowled |
| Feb 26, 2025 | England (49.5/50 ov, T:326) 317 vs Afghanistan 325/7 | Lahore | 2:00 PM | Afghanistan won by 8 runs |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Rawalpindi | 2:00 PM | Match abandoned without a ball bowled |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Afghanistan 273 vs Australia (12.5/50 ov, T:274) 109/1 | Lahore | 2:00 PM | No result |
| Mar 01, 2025 | South Africa (29.1/50 ov, T:180) 181/3 vs England 179 | Karachi | 2:00 PM | South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 125 balls remaining) |
| Mar 02, 2025 | India 249/9 vs New Zealand (45.3/50 ov, T:250) 205 | Dubai (DICS) | 2:00 PM | India won by 44 runs |
Knockout Stage
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Result | Player Of The Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 04, 2025 | Semi-Final 1 (Australia 264 vs India (48.1/50 ov, T:265) 267/6) | Dubai (DICS) | 2:00 PM | India won by 4 wickets (with 11 balls remaining) | Virat Kohli, IND 84 (98) & 2 catches |
| Mar 05, 2025 | Semi-Final 2 (New Zealand 362/6 vs South Africa (50 ov, T:363) 312/9) | Lahore | 2:00 PM | New Zealand won by 50 runs | Rachin Ravindra, NZ 108 (101), 1/20 & 2 catches |
| Mar 09, 2025 | Final India (49/50 ov, T:252) 254/6 vs New Zealand 251/7 | Dubai (DICS) | 2:00 PM | India won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining) | Rohit Sharma IND 76 (83), 1 catch |
Key Highlights of the Schedule
- Blockbuster Opener: The tournament kicks off with the high-voltage clash between New Zealand and Pakistan on February 19, 2025, at the iconic Karachi.
- Rivalry Matches:
- India vs Pakistan on February 23, 2025.
- Australia vs England on February 22, 2025.
- Australia vs South Africa on February 25, 2025
- Semi-Finals: The top two teams (India, New Zealand) and (Australia, South Africa) from each group will battle it out for a spot in the final.
- Grand Finale: The final (India vs New Zealand) will be held on March 09, 2025, at the Dubai (DICS), India won by 4 wickets (with 6 balls remaining), Congratulation India
Venues for Champions Trophy 2025
The tournament will be hosted across four world-class stadiums in India:
-
- Karachi (Capacity: 34,238)
- Dubai (DICS) (Capacity: 25,000)
- Lahore (Capacity: 34,000)
- Rawalpindi (Capacity: 20,000)
How to Watch Champions Trophy 2025
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (India), Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa).
- Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (India), Willow TV (USA), ICC TV (Global).
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 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.715 | 6 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0.267 | 4 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -0.443 | 1 |
| Pakistan | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -1.087 | 0 |
Group B Points Table
| Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | Tied/NR | Net Run Rate (NRR) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2.395 | 5 |
| Australia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0.4754 | 4 |
| England | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.990 | 3 |
| Afghanistan | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -1.159 | 0 |
Semi-Final Qualifiers
- Group A: India and New Zealand
- Group B: South Africa and Australia
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
- Dominance of Teams:
- In 2017, England dominated Group A, while India and Pakistan were strong in Group B.
- In 2025, India dominated Group A, while Australia and South Africa were strong in Group B. Congratulation India
- Surprise Packages:
- 2017: Bangladesh surprised everyone by qualifying for the semi-finals.
- 2025: South Africa surprised everyone by qualifying for the semi-finals.
- 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.
- India
-
- Jasprit Bumrah: Suffered a back strain during practice. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
Replacement: Harshit Rana - Yashasvi Jaiswal: Fully fit but not selected.
Replacement: Shubman Gill (vc)
- Jasprit Bumrah: Suffered a back strain during practice. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
- Australia
-
- Mitchell Marsh: Injured his ankle during a training session. Replacement: Matthew Short
- Marcus Stoinis: Injured Replacement: Aaron Hardie
- Pat Cummins: Suffered a hamstring tear. Ruled out for the entire tournament. Replacement: Ben Dwarshuis
- Josh Hazlewood: Injured. Replacement: Spencer Johnson
- Mitchell Starc: Suffered a hamstring tear. Ruled out for the entire tournament. Replacement: Nathan Ellis
- Pakistan
-
- None
- South Africa
-
- Anrich Nortje: Suffered a stress fracture in his back. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
Replacement: Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje: Suffered a stress fracture in his back. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
- England
-
- Jacob Bethell: Elbow injury flare-up. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
Replacement: Brydon Carse
- Jacob Bethell: Elbow injury flare-up. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
- New Zealand
-
- Lockie Ferguson: Twisted his ankle during a warm-up game. Doubtful for the first two matches.
Replacement: Lockie Ferguson - Ben Sears: Mild calf strain. Expected to recover before the second match. Replacement: Nathan Smith
- Lockie Ferguson: Twisted his ankle during a warm-up game. Doubtful for the first two matches.
- Afghanistan
-
- AM Ghazanfar: Hamstring injury. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
Replacement: Fareed Ahmad
- AM Ghazanfar: Hamstring injury. Ruled out for the entire tournament.
- Bangladesh
-
- None
Impact of Injuries on Teams
- India: Losing Bumrah is a massive blow to their bowling attack.
- Australia: The absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis weakens their bowling and middle-order firepower.
- Pakistan: None.
- South Africa: Nortje’s absence leaves a gap in their pace attack.
- England: Jacob Bethell’s injury is a significant setback for their bowling unit.
- New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears absence could affect their bowling stability.
- Afghanistan: AM Ghazanfar’s injury is a huge loss for their spin department.
- 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: India is the Most favorite
-
- 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 Player: Virat Kohli – His form will be crucial in high-pressure games.
- Prediction: Finalists – India’s depth and home advantage make them strong contenders.
- 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 Player: Steven Smith – His leadership and batting will be vital.
- Prediction: Semi-Finalists – Australia’s experience in ICC tournaments makes them a threat.
- 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 Player: Kagiso Rabada – His ability to take early wickets will be crucial.
- Prediction: Semi-Finalists – South Africa’s current form makes them a strong contender.
- 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 Player: Babar Azam – His consistency will be key to Pakistan’s success.
- Prediction: Finalists – Pakistan’s ability to perform in ICC tournaments makes them a dark horse.
- India
Dark Horses
-
- 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 Player: Jos Buttler – His explosive batting can change the game.
- Prediction: Quarter-Finalists – England’s aggressive style could take them far, but injuries might hold them back.
-
-
- 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 Player: Matt Henry – His swing bowling will be crucial in Indian conditions.
- Prediction: Quarter-Finalists – New Zealand’s consistency makes them a threat, but injuries might limit their progress.
-
Underdogs
1. Afghanistan
-
- Strengths: A young and energetic squad with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan.
- Weaknesses: Lack of experience in high-pressure games.
- Key Player: Mohammad Nabi – His all-round abilities are vital.
- Prediction: Group Stage Exit – Afghanistan might struggle against stronger teams
2. Bangladesh
-
- Strengths: A fighting spirit and experienced players like Najmul Hossain Shanto.
- Weaknesses: Over-reliance on a few key players.
- Key Player: Mahmudullah – His all-round performance will be crucial.
Prediction: Group Stage Exit – Bangladesh might find it tough to compete against top teams.
Final Prediction
- Final: India vs New Zealand
- Winner: India
Reasoning:
- India’s strong batting lineup, Same like home advantage, and balanced squad make them the favorites.
- New Zealand’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
- Home Advantage: Pakistan’s familiarity with the conditions could be a game-changer.
- Injuries: Teams with fewer injury concerns (like India and South Africa) have a better chance.
- Form of Key Players: Players like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson and Kagiso Rabada will play a crucial role.
- Knockout Pressure: Teams with a history of performing well in knockouts (like India and Pakistan) have an advantage.
MOST SIXES IN ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY
List of all Most Sixes in ICC Champions Trophy history:
| # | Player | Team | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
| 1 | SC Ganguly | IND | 1998-2004 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 665 | 141* | 73.88 | 800 | 83.12 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 66 | 17 |
| 2 | HH Pandya | IND | 2017-2025 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 186 | 76 | 37.20 | 129 | 144.18 | – | 1 | – | 10 | 15 |
| 3 | CH Gayle | WI | 2002-2013 | 17 | 17 | 2 | 791 | 133* | 52.73 | 891 | 88.77 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 101 | 15 |
| 4 | DA Miller | SA | 2013-2025 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 328 | 100* | 54.66 | 320 | 102.50 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 14 |
| 5 | EJG Morgan | ENG | 2009-2017 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 439 | 87 | 43.90 | 477 | 92.03 | – | 4 | – | 40 | 14 |
| 6 | SR Watson | AUS | 2002-2013 | 17 | 15 | 4 | 453 | 136* | 41.18 | 547 | 82.81 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 44 | 12 |
| 7 | PD Collingwood | ENG | 2004-2009 | 11 | 11 | 3 | 403 | 82 | 50.37 | 512 | 78.71 | – | 2 | 1 | 32 | 11 |
| 8 | RG Sharma | IND | 2013-2025 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 585 | 123* | 45.00 | 680 | 86.02 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 65 | 11 |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | PAK | 1998-2009 | 13 | 13 | 2 | 167 | 55* | 15.18 | 134 | 124.62 | – | 1 | – | 13 | 10 |
| 10 | CD McMillan | NZ | 1998-2004 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 255 | 64* | 51.00 | 250 | 102.00 | – | 3 | – | 15 | 9 |
| 11 | JH Kallis | SA | 1998-2009 | 17 | 17 | 3 | 653 | 113* | 46.64 | 843 | 77.46 | 1 | 3 | – | 63 | 9 |
| 12 | BC Lara | WI | 1998-2006 | 18 | 17 | 3 | 465 | 111 | 33.21 | 611 | 76.10 | 1 | 2 | – | 46 | 9 |
| 13 | Azmatullah Omarzai | AFG | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | – | 126 | 67 | 42.00 | 121 | 104.13 | – | 1 | – | 5 | 8 |
| 14 | KMDN Kulasekara | SL | 2009-2013 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 140 | 58* | 46.66 | 127 | 110.23 | – | 2 | – | 8 | 8 |
| 15 | S Dhawan | IND | 2013-2017 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 701 | 125 | 77.88 | 690 | 101.59 | 3 | 3 | – | 79 | 8 |
| 16 | V Kohli | IND | 2009-2025 | 17 | 16 | 7 | 746 | 100* | 82.88 | 834 | 89.44 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 68 | 8 |
| 17 | Ibrahim Zadran | AFG | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | – | 216 | 177 | 72.00 | 203 | 106.40 | 1 | – | – | 15 | 7 |
| 18 | HE van der Dussen | SA | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 193 | 72* | 96.50 | 199 | 96.98 | – | 3 | – | 13 | 7 |
| 19 | GD Phillips | NZ | 2025-2025 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 143 | 61 | 71.50 | 102 | 140.19 | – | 1 | – | 11 | 7 |
| 20 | Tamim Iqbal | BAN | 2017-2017 | 4 | 4 | – | 293 | 128 | 73.25 | 340 | 86.17 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 7 |
| 21 | OA Shah | ENG | 2002-2009 | 6 | 6 | – | 204 | 98 | 34.00 | 246 | 82.92 | – | 1 | 1 | 12 | 7 |
| 22 | BB McCullum | NZ | 2004-2013 | 14 | 12 | – | 286 | 48 | 23.83 | 424 | 67.45 | – | – | 1 | 23 | 7 |
| 23 | SR Tendulkar | IND | 1998-2009 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 441 | 141 | 36.75 | 560 | 78.75 | 1 | 1 | – | 49 | 7 |
| 24 | JP Inglis | AUS | 2025-2025 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 131 | 120* | 131.00 | 98 | 133.67 | 1 | – | – | 8 | 6 |
| 25 | PA Wallace | WI | 1998-1998 | 3 | 3 | – | 221 | 103 | 73.66 | 205 | 107.80 | 1 | 1 | – | 29 | 6 |
| 26 | GJ Maxwell | AUS | 2013-2025 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 120 | 32* | 40.00 | 93 | 129.03 | – | – | – | 12 | 6 |
| 27 | DJG Sammy | WI | 2004-2013 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 124 | 56* | 41.33 | 133 | 93.23 | – | 1 | – | 11 | 6 |
| 28 | RS Bopara | ENG | 2009-2013 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 149 | 46* | 37.25 | 139 | 107.19 | – | – | – | 8 | 6 |
| 29 | JC Buttler | ENG | 2013-2025 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 191 | 61* | 23.87 | 207 | 92.27 | – | 1 | 2 | 8 | 6 |
| 30 | HH Gibbs | SA | 2002-2009 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 460 | 116* | 51.11 | 538 | 85.50 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 6 |
| 31 | KS Williamson | NZ | 2013-2025 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 534 | 102 | 59.33 | 597 | 89.44 | 2 | 4 | – | 49 | 6 |
| 32 | Mohammad Hafeez | PAK | 2006-2017 | 11 | 11 | 2 | 252 | 57* | 28.00 | 286 | 88.11 | – | 1 | – | 27 | 6 |
| 33 | JE Root | ENG | 2013-2025 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 656 | 133* | 59.63 | 689 | 95.21 | 2 | 3 | – | 53 | 6 |
| 34 | NJ Astle | NZ | 1998-2006 | 13 | 13 | 1 | 344 | 145* | 28.66 | 473 | 72.72 | 1 | – | 3 | 41 | 6 |
| 35 | RR Sarwan | WI | 2002-2013 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 361 | 75 | 30.08 | 451 | 80.04 | – | 3 | 1 | 31 | 6 |
| 36 | ST Jayasuriya | SL | 1998-2009 | 20 | 20 | 2 | 536 | 102* | 29.77 | 609 | 88.01 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 67 | 6 |
| 37 | DPMD Jayawardene | SL | 2000-2013 | 22 | 21 | 3 | 742 | 84* | 41.22 | 875 | 84.80 | – | 5 | – | 79 | 6 |
| 38 | TM Head | AUS | 2017-2025 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 175 | 71* | 87.50 | 142 | 123.23 | – | 2 | – | 20 | 5 |
| 39 | N Hussain | ENG | 2000-2002 | 4 | 4 | – | 176 | 95 | 44.00 | 239 | 73.64 | – | 2 | – | 15 | 5 |
| 40 | Fakhar Zaman | PAK | 2017-2025 | 5 | 5 | – | 276 | 114 | 55.20 | 264 | 104.54 | 1 | 2 | – | 37 | 5 |
| 41 | Misbah-ul-Haq | PAK | 2002-2013 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 267 | 96* | 53.40 | 380 | 70.26 | – | 2 | – | 15 | 5 |
| 42 | A Symonds | AUS | 2004-2006 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 175 | 71* | 43.75 | 171 | 102.33 | – | 2 | 1 | 17 | 5 |
| 43 | Shoaib Malik | PAK | 2002-2017 | 20 | 18 | 2 | 380 | 128 | 23.75 | 530 | 71.69 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 34 | 5 |
| 44 | ID Blackwell | ENG | 2002-2002 | 2 | 2 | – | 99 | 82 | 49.50 | 88 | 112.50 | – | 1 | – | 6 | 4 |
| 45 | Haris Rauf | PAK | 2025-2025 | 2 | 2 | – | 27 | 19 | 13.50 | 17 | 158.82 | – | – | – | 0 | 4 |
| 46 | KL Rahul | IND | 2025-2025 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 106 | 42* | 106.00 | 110 | 96.36 | – | – | – | 4 | 4 |
| 47 | BA Stokes | ENG | 2017-2017 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 184 | 102* | 92.00 | 226 | 81.41 | 1 | – | – | 17 | 4 |
| 48 | AD Hales | ENG | 2017-2017 | 4 | 4 | – | 164 | 95 | 41.00 | 165 | 99.39 | – | 2 | 1 | 16 | 4 |
| 49 | HH Streak | ZIM | 1998-2002 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 80 | 50* | 40.00 | 81 | 98.76 | – | 1 | – | 4 | 4 |
| 50 | ML Hayden | AUS | 2002-2004 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 210 | 67* | 42.00 | 268 | 78.35 | – | 1 | – | 28 | 4 |
| 51 | MS Dhoni | IND | 2006-2017 | 16 | 8 | – | 183 | 63 | 22.87 | 217 | 84.33 | – | 2 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| 52 | A Flintoff | ENG | 2000-2006 | 9 | 8 | – | 183 | 104 | 22.87 | 200 | 91.50 | 1 | – | 1 | 17 | 4 |
| 53 | ME Trescothick | ENG | 2000-2004 | 8 | 8 | – | 421 | 119 | 52.62 | 491 | 85.74 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 49 | 4 |
| 54 | WW Hinds | WI | 2000-2006 | 11 | 9 | – | 186 | 82 | 20.66 | 333 | 55.85 | – | 1 | – | 18 | 4 |
| 55 | MJ Guptill | NZ | 2009-2017 | 11 | 11 | – | 319 | 66 | 29.00 | 370 | 86.21 | – | 2 | – | 37 | 4 |
| 56 | LRPL Taylor | NZ | 2009-2017 | 11 | 11 | 1 | 281 | 72 | 28.10 | 417 | 67.38 | – | 2 | 1 | 23 | 4 |
| 57 | RT Ponting | AUS | 1998-2009 | 18 | 18 | 3 | 593 | 111* | 39.53 | 775 | 76.51 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 66 | 4 |
| 58 | Khushdil Shah | PAK | 2025-2025 | 2 | 2 | – | 107 | 69 | 53.50 | 88 | 121.59 | – | 1 | – | 10 | 3 |
| 59 | Rishad Hossain | BAN | 2025-2025 | 2 | 2 | – | 44 | 26 | 22.00 | 37 | 118.91 | – | – | – | 3 | 3 |
| 60 | BM Duckett | ENG | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | – | 227 | 165 | 75.66 | 209 | 108.61 | 1 | – | – | 25 | 3 |
| 61 | Mohammad Nabi | AFG | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | – | 49 | 40 | 16.33 | 42 | 116.66 | – | – | – | 2 | 3 |
| 62 | KA Pollard | WI | 2013-2013 | 3 | 3 | – | 80 | 30 | 26.66 | 113 | 70.79 | – | – | – | 8 | 3 |
| 63 | Sediqullah Atal | AFG | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | – | 105 | 85 | 35.00 | 131 | 80.15 | – | 1 | – | 9 | 3 |
| 64 | SS Iyer | IND | 2025-2025 | 4 | 4 | – | 195 | 79 | 48.75 | 244 | 79.91 | – | 2 | – | 14 | 3 |
| 65 | TWM Latham | NZ | 2025-2025 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 191 | 118* | 63.66 | 205 | 93.17 | 1 | 1 | – | 13 | 3 |
| 68 | Aftab Ahmed | BAN | 2004-2006 | 5 | 5 | – | 116 | 59 | 23.20 | 153 | 75.81 | – | 1 | 1 | 16 | 3 |
| 69 | Azhar Ali | PAK | 2017-2017 | 5 | 5 | – | 228 | 76 | 45.60 | 308 | 74.02 | – | 3 | – | 20 | 3 |
| 70 | Mahmudullah | BAN | 2017-2025 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 141 | 102* | 47.00 | 163 | 86.50 | 1 | – | – | 10 | 3 |
| 71 | RR Singh | IND | 1998-2000 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 108 | 73* | 27.00 | 107 | 100.93 | – | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| 72 | RA Jadeja | IND | 2013-2025 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 113 | 47* | 56.50 | 101 | 111.88 | – | – | – | 10 | 3 |
| 73 | MG Johnson | AUS | 2006-2013 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 105 | 73* | 21.00 | 94 | 111.70 | – | 1 | – | 12 | 3 |
| 74 | L Ronchi | NZ | 2013-2017 | 6 | 6 | – | 104 | 65 | 17.33 | 102 | 101.96 | – | 1 | 1 | 14 | 3 |
| 75 | SK Raina | IND | 2006-2013 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 95 | 46 | 15.83 | 115 | 82.60 | – | – | 1 | 9 | 3 |
| 76 | HH Dippenaar | SA | 2000-2006 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 170 | 65* | 24.28 | 264 | 64.39 | – | 2 | 2 | 19 | 3 |
| 77 | B Lee | AUS | 2000-2009 | 16 | 8 | 2 | 110 | 31 | 18.33 | 135 | 81.48 | – | – | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| 78 | SM Pollock | SA | 2000-2006 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 55 | 21* | 11.00 | 59 | 93.22 | – | – | – | 0 | 3 |
| 79 | HM Amla | SA | 2009-2017 | 9 | 9 | – | 321 | 103 | 35.66 | 406 | 79.06 | 1 | 1 | – | 28 | 3 |
| 80 | KD Mills | NZ | 2002-2013 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 98 | 23* | 19.60 | 121 | 80.99 | – | – | 1 | 8 | 3 |
| 81 | Mohammad Yousuf | PAK | 2000-2009 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 484 | 87 | 48.40 | 714 | 67.78 | – | 3 | 1 | 41 | 3 |
| 82 | MV Boucher | SA | 1998-2009 | 17 | 13 | – | 288 | 69 | 22.15 | 371 | 77.62 | – | 2 | 1 | 26 | 3 |
| 83 | TM Dilshan | SL | 2004-2013 | 15 | 13 | 4 | 363 | 106 | 40.33 | 414 | 87.68 | 1 | – | – | 39 | 3 |
| 84 | AC Gilchrist | AUS | 1998-2006 | 13 | 13 | 1 | 382 | 92 | 31.83 | 406 | 94.08 | – | 2 | – | 55 | 3 |
| 85 | S Chanderpaul | WI | 1998-2006 | 16 | 16 | 5 | 587 | 74 | 53.36 | 864 | 67.93 | – | 5 | – | 67 | 3 |
| 86 | Naimur Rahman | BAN | 2000-2000 | 1 | 1 | – | 46 | 46 | 46.00 | 60 | 76.66 | – | – | – | 4 | 2 |
| 87 | G Gambhir | IND | 2009-2009 | 3 | 2 | – | 63 | 57 | 31.50 | 51 | 123.52 | – | 1 | – | 8 | 2 |
| 88 | MD Gunathilaka | SL | 2017-2017 | 2 | 2 | – | 89 | 76 | 44.50 | 92 | 96.73 | – | 1 | – | 9 | 2 |
| 89 | CB Lambert | USA/WI | 1998-2004 | 2 | 2 | – | 46 | 39 | 23.00 | 96 | 47.91 | – | – | – | 4 | 2 |
| 90 | MW Short | AUS | 2025-2025 | 2 | 2 | – | 83 | 63 | 41.50 | 81 | 102.46 | – | 1 | – | 12 | 2 |
| 91 | T Taibu | ZIM | 2004-2004 | 2 | 2 | – | 56 | 40 | 28.00 | 95 | 58.94 | – | – | – | 4 | 2 |
| 92 | Tanzid Hasan | BAN | 2025-2025 | 2 | 2 | – | 49 | 25 | 24.50 | 49 | 100.00 | – | – | – | 5 | 2 |
| 93 | Towhid Hridoy | BAN | 2025-2025 | 2 | 2 | – | 107 | 100 | 53.50 | 142 | 75.35 | 1 | – | – | 6 | 2 |
| 94 | J Charles | WI | 2013-2013 | 3 | 3 | – | 85 | 60 | 28.33 | 95 | 89.47 | – | 1 | – | 11 | 2 |
| 95 | WJ Cronje | SA | 1998-1998 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 148 | 67 | 74.00 | 163 | 90.79 | – | 2 | – | 10 | 2 |
| 96 | DAS Gunaratne | SL | 2017-2017 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 65 | 34* | 32.50 | 78 | 83.33 | – | – | – | 3 | 2 |
| 97 | NO Miller | WI | 2009-2009 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 72 | 51 | 36.00 | 87 | 82.75 | – | 1 | – | 7 | 2 |
| 98 | RL Powell | WI | 2004-2004 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 36 | 16 | 18.00 | 37 | 97.29 | – | – | – | 3 | 2 |
| 99 | R Ravindra | NZ | 2025-2025 | 3 | 3 | – | 226 | 112 | 75.33 | 218 | 103.66 | 2 | – | – | 25 | 2 |
| 100 | LJ Wright | ENG | 2009-2009 | 4 | 3 | – | 60 | 48 | 20.00 | 81 | 74.07 | – | – | – | 4 | 2 |
| 101 | CJ Anderson | NZ | 2013-2017 | 4 | 4 | – | 48 | 30 | 12.00 | 45 | 106.66 | – | – | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 102 | CL Cairns | NZ | 2000-2004 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 118 | 102* | 39.33 | 143 | 82.51 | 1 | – | 1 | 9 | 2 |
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, Pakistan, South 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 Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, and Mitchell Marsh have added an element of unpredictability, but their replacements are ready to step up and make an impact. The points table, head-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.
Note:
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