The ICC Champions Trophy returns after a break of eight years when the host country and defending title holder Pakistan confront New Zealand on the first match day at the National Stadium, Karachi.
Eight teams have entered the 50-over competition from the last instance in 2017 and participated based on qualification through their records in the ODI World Cup of 2023. Sri Lanka did not qualify for the first time, and Afghanistan entered its first tournament appearance.
Here are eight main points to be aware of as the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy starts:
1. The Much-Anticipated Comeback of the Tournament
The ICC had been thinking of replacing the Champions Trophy after 2013 with the World Test Championship, which would allow for one major event per format. The concept was discarded, though, and the Champions Trophy went on in 2017.
Though left off the 2021 calendar, it was brought back in 2025 as a vital element of the worldwide cricket agenda.
2. Pakistan First Hosted an Important ICC Event in 1996
The 2025 Champions Trophy is the first ICC competition in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, where it co-hosted the event with India and Sri Lanka. Security issues after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team had compelled the ICC to shift big events from Pakistan.
The country had initially been scheduled to host the 2009 Champions Trophy but lost it to South Africa for security reasons.
3. India’s Matches will be Played in the UAE
The ICC decided to use a hybrid approach after the BCCI notified India that it would not go to Pakistan. Consequently, all India’s games would happen in the UAE at a neutral venue. To help handle political tensions between the two countries, the ICC has introduced this hybrid format for all events until 2027.
4. The Historical Contact of Afghanistan
For the first time, Afghanistan has a place in the Champions Trophy. Their qualification arrived from a stellar campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they finished sixth in nine matches with four wins.
While Sri Lanka and the Netherlands did not qualify, this accomplishment represented a major turning point in Afghan cricket history.
5. Probably a Farewell Tournament for Kohli and Rohit.
Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be playing their last ICC ODI tournament, some believe. Their form and the emergence of young talent could make this their final ODI tournament, though newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir stated he wanted them to play till the 2027 World Cup. If so, both players would aim for a memorable farewell.
Thrilling Cricket Activity Awaits!
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a thrilling event with a combination of historic performances, big-name players missing, and intense competition. All eyes will be on Pakistan as the cricketing world gets ready for the activity since it is about to host a major ICC tournament nearly 30 years later.
