Listen to this article

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make a comeback in 2025 with Pakistan hosting the event for the first time in 29 years. The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, and is noted as the ICC’s only men’s limited-overs competition for that year.

A total of eight teams will be competing in the tournament, which follows a format of round-robin matches leading into a knockout stage. Group A includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, while Group B is comprised of Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England. Notably, Afghanistan will be making its debut in the Champions Trophy during this event.

The opening match on February 19 features Pakistan facing New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Meanwhile, political tensions have led to a unique arrangement for India’s participation. The team will play its games in Dubai as part of a hybrid model, avoiding matches in Pakistan. Interestingly, the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled to take place in Dubai and is the only meeting between the two sides for the year 2025.

The 2025 Champion Trophy brings a heightened level of competition boosted by a significant increase in the prize pool, which has been set at $6.9 million—marking a 53% rise from the previous edition.

However, the tournament will witness the absence of some top international players including Pat Cummins from Australia and Jasprit Bumrah from India, as highlighted by Al Jazeera.

This event promises exciting cricket as it marks not only the return of the Champions Trophy after eight years but also the endearing return of international cricket to Pakistan on a grand ICC event scale. Cricketing fans can look forward to an engaging tournament thanks to this thrilling blend of fresh contests, competitive spirit, and sporting excellence.

Share this post!