The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return after an eight year hiatus, promising thrilling One Day International (ODI) cricket action among the world’s top teams. The tournament, regarded as the Mini World Cup, will feature eight teams competing for supremacy in a fast-paced, high-stakes format. The event is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ensuring an electrifying atmosphere for cricket fans worldwide.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the tournament, including the full schedule, teams, venues, telecast details, and live streaming options.
Tournament Format and Structure
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 follows a traditional format where the top eight teams in ODI rankings will compete. These teams are divided into two groups, with each team playing the others in its group once. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, culminating in a grand finale to crown the champion.
Participating Teams and Groups
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups:
Group A:
- Pakistan (Hosts & Defending Champions)
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
Each team will play three group stage matches, after which the top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout rounds (semi-finals and final).
Full Schedule and Venues
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches played across venues in Pakistan and the UAE. Due to political considerations, all of India’s matches will be hosted in Dubai.
Group Stage Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Feb 19 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | Karachi |
| Feb 20 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai |
| Feb 21 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | Karachi |
| Feb 22 | Australia vs. England | Lahore |
| Feb 23 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai |
| Feb 24 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi |
| Feb 25 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi |
| Feb 26 | Afghanistan vs. England | Lahore |
| Feb 27 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi |
| Feb 28 | Australia vs. Afghanistan | Lahore |
| March 1 | England vs. South Africa | Karachi |
| March 2 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai |
Knockout Stage Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
| March 4 | Semi-Final 1 (A1 vs B2) | Dubai |
| March 5 | Semi-Final 2 (B1 vs A2) | Lahore |
| March 9 | Final | Lahore/Dubai (if India qualifies) |
All matches are scheduled to start at 2:30 PM local time.
Venues
The matches will be played at the following world class venues:
Pakistan:
- National Stadium, Karachi: Known for its batting-friendly pitch.
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: One of the most historic venues in world cricket.
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi: Offers conditions favorable for pace bowling.
United Arab Emirates:
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai: A top-tier venue with a large capacity and a vibrant atmosphere.
The UAE venues were chosen to ensure a neutral and secure environment for matches involving India.
Team Previews & Key Players
Pakistan (Defending Champions)
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Key Players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman
- Strengths: A strong bowling attack and familiarity with home conditions.
India
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Key Players: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul
- Challenges: Adjusting to conditions in Dubai and managing injuries.
New Zealand
- Captain: Mitchell Santner
- Key Players: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson
- Concerns: A relatively inexperienced bowling lineup.
Bangladesh
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Key Players: Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed
- Weakness: Lack of consistency in high-pressure tournaments.
Australia
- Captain: Steve Smith (Stand-in)
- Key Players: David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc
- Struggles: Several key players missing due to injuries.
Englan
- Captain: Jos Buttler
- Key Players: Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Joe Root
- Advantage: A well-balanced side with power hitters.
South Africa
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Key Players: Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock
- X-Factor: Explosive top order and pace battery.
Afghanistan
- Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Key Players: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Strengths: Spin-heavy attack that can challenge any team.
Telecast & Live Streaming Details
Cricket fans around the world can catch the live action on various platforms.
Television Broadcast
- India: Star Sports Network
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Ten Sports
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket
- Australia: Fox Sports
- United States & Canada: Willow TV
- South Africa: SuperSport
Live Streaming Platforms
- India: Disney+ Hotstar
- Pakistan: ARY Zap, Daraz Live
- UK & Europe: Sky Go
- Australia: Kayo Sports
- USA: ESPN+ and Willow TV app
Most platforms will offer both HD and 4K streaming options, along with live commentary in multiple languages.
Final Thoughts
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting cricket tournaments in recent years. With intense rivalries, including the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan showdown, the event is sure to captivate cricket fans globally.
From powerhouse teams like Australia and England to underdogs like Afghanistan aiming to create history, the tournament is filled with drama, skill, and passion. Whether watching on television or live streaming, fans are in for a cricketing spectacle.
Stay tuned for match analysis, player updates, and live coverage as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 unfolds!
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Watch the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 live stream here
