The ICC Champions Trophy returns after eight years, with Pakistan hosting its first ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup. The opening match on February 19 will see defending champions Pakistan face New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium—a significant milestone for Pakistan’s efforts to revive international cricket.
However, India will not travel to Pakistan and will play all their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Drawn alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group A, India, despite limited ODI matches since the 2023 World Cup, remains a strong contender. Rohit Sharma’s side recently defeated England 3-0 and looks settled, even without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
India will kickstart its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 20 with their tournament opener against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan, with home support, will aim to retain its title but faces early pressure after twin defeats to New Zealand in a recent tri-series. Meanwhile, New Zealand, familiar with Pakistan’s conditions, will hope to build on their recent success.
Group B promises surprises. Reigning ODI champions Australia face challenges with a depleted bowling lineup after injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and the absence of Mitchell Starc. South Africa enters the tournament on a six-match losing streak, while England’s predictable style may struggle against varied opposition.
Afghanistan, making its Champions Trophy debut, could emerge as a dark horse with a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi—posing a serious threat to teams vulnerable against spin.
As the Champions Trophy unfolds, the spotlight will shift from Pakistan’s readiness to the intense on-field battles, promising high-stakes cricket where every match matters.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Where to watch
The 19-day-long International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, which will see eight top teams in action, kicks off on February 19 as hosts Pakistan face New Zealand. The 2025 Champions Trophy final will take place on March 9.
Live streaming and broadcast details for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 cricket matches have already been announced.
In India, audio coverage will be available on All India Radio.
Live streaming of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be available for free on JioHotstar. Live telecast of the Champions Trophy matches will be on Star Sports Network and Sports18 TV channels in India.
The Champions Trophy 2025 matches will start at 2:30 PM IST. The toss for the games will take place at 2:00 PM IST.
Champions Trophy top records
Most Runs – Top Five Batters
Chris Gayle (West Indies) : 791 Runs in 17 matches with 3 hundreds and 1 fifty
Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) : 742 Runs in 22 matches with 0 hundreds and 5 fifties
Shikhar Dhawan (India) : 701 Runs in 10 matches with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) : 683 Runs in 22 matches with 1 hundred and 4 fifties
Sourav Ganguly (India) : 665 Runs in 13 matches with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties
Most Wickets – Top Five Bowlers
Kyle Mills (New Zealand) : 28 wickets in 15 matches with best of 4/30
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) : 25 wickets in 16 matches with best of 4/34
Muthiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka): 24 wickets in 17 matches with best of 4/15
Brett Lee (Australia) : 22 wickets in 16 matches with best of 3/38
Glenn McGrath (Australia) : 21 wickets in 12 matches with best of 5/37
Highest Individual Score: Top Five
Nathan Astle (New Zealand) : 145 not out vs USA in 2004
Andy Flower (Zimbabwe) : 145 vs India in 2002
Sourav Ganguly (India) : 141 not out vs South Africa in 2000
Sachin Tendulkar (India) : 141 vs Australia in 1998
Graeme Smith (South Africa) : 141 vs England in 2009
Best Bowling In An Innings: Top Five
Farveez Maharoof (Sri Lanka) : 6/14 vs West Indies in 2006
Josh Hazlewood (Australia) : 6/52 vs New Zealand in 2017
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) : 5/11 vs Kenya in 2004
Makhaya Ntini (South Africa) : 5/21 vs Pakistan in 2006
Mervyn Dillon (West Indies) : 5/29 vs Bangladesh in 2004
(With inputs from agencies)