Listen to this article

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make a return in 2025 after an eight-year hiatus. This edition of the tournament will be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, marking the first ICC event Pakistan has hosted in 29 years since 1996. The tournament will be the ICC’s only men’s limited-overs competition in 2025, featuring eight top cricket teams.

The Champions Trophy, originally named the ICC Knockout, was conceptualized to bridge the four-year gap between the ICC’s 50-over World Cup, aiming to expand cricket globally. The inaugural edition in 1998 was held in Bangladesh, with South Africa emerging as the winners.

Pakistan, as hosts, will be part of the eight qualifying teams. The participants include the top seven ODI teams from the 2023 Cricket World Cup. This 2025 edition features a blend of group-stage and knockout-stage formats, with Afghanistan set to make its debut in the tournament. Group A consists of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England.

The tournament will kick off with Pakistan facing New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. The final is scheduled for March 9, with a potential venue shift to Dubai if India qualifies due to geopolitical considerations. This shift is a result of ongoing political tensions, leading to matches involving India being held in Dubai, a neutral location.

Host cities in Pakistan will include Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Dubai serving as the additional venue. A highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India is set to occur in Dubai, highlighting the absence of bilateral tours between the two nations.

Significant player absences include Australia’s Pat Cummins and India’s Jasprit Bumrah, impacting their respective teams. The prize fund for the tournament is set at $6.9 million, reflecting a 53% increase from the previous edition. Notably, Australia and India have each claimed the tournament title twice, while Bangladesh and England are yet to win.

The tournament will adhere to standard ODI rules, with ties being resolved through a super over. Points will be awarded in the group stages with two available for a win and one for a no result. Semifinalists will be determined by points, wins, and net run rate.

Tickets for the tournament are released in phases, with those for the final available after the first semifinal match. For viewing, the tournament will be broadcast on TV, digital platforms, and radio, with Al Jazeera Sport providing specific coverage. This comprehensive coverage ensures fans around the world can tune into the action as it unfolds.

Share this post!