The ICC Champions Trophy makes a much-anticipated return in 2025, marking its revival after an eight-year hiatus. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Pakistan, the tournament will take place from February 19 to March 9. This prestigious event will feature eight top-tier cricket teams competing for the coveted trophy and the honor of wearing the winners' white blazers. As cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await, the tournament is set to be the ICC's sole men's limited-overs competition for the year 2025, elevating its significance on the international stage.
Cricket fans will witness some of the world's finest players in action. Al Jazeera has highlighted five players to watch: Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi from Pakistan, Shubman Gill from India, Jos Buttler from England, and Glenn Maxwell from Australia. These athletes are expected to bring their exceptional skills to the forefront, captivating audiences with their performances.
The points system for the tournament is straightforward yet competitive. Each win will earn a team two points, while in the event of a no result, both teams will share one point each. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals based on their accumulated points, adding an extra layer of excitement as teams vie for these coveted spots.
Pakistan, as the host nation, automatically qualified for the tournament alongside the top seven One Day International (ODI) teams from the 2023 Cricket World Cup group stage. As defending champions, Pakistan enters the tournament as favorites, not only due to their home advantage but also because of their impressive recent form in ODI cricket.
The ICC has announced a significant increase in the prize money for this edition, with a total purse of $6.9 million—an impressive 53 percent rise compared to the last tournament. This increase underscores the ICC's commitment to elevating the prestige and competitiveness of the Champions Trophy.
The tournament also holds sentimental value for Indian cricket fans as it may serve as a farewell to ODI cricket for some of India's most iconic players, including captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. Their potential last appearances in this format add an emotional dimension to the competition, drawing even more attention from fans worldwide.
The action kicks off with the first ball bowled at 09:00 GMT at Karachi's National Stadium. However, Al Jazeera's live build-up will begin at 04:00 GMT, allowing fans ample time to prepare for the day's excitement. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host three group matches, including a highly anticipated fixture between Pakistan and Bangladesh on February 27.
Dubai has been selected to host one of the semifinals on March 4, and if India qualifies for the final, it will also host this climactic match on March 9. Otherwise, Pakistan's cricket headquarters in Lahore is set to be the venue for the final showdown, encapsulating the spirit and passion of cricket in its home ground.
