ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to Begin in Pakistan on February 19 – Who Are the Contenders for the Title?

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to Begin in Pakistan on February 19 – Who Are the Contenders for the Title?

Lahore, February 18: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19. The world’s top-ranked ODI team, the current champions, and the 2000 champions are all strong contenders for the trophy this year.

Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India by a massive 180-run margin in the final. This time, Pakistan is eager to claim the trophy again at home after 29 years and celebrate the return of an ICC event to their country. Meanwhile, T20 World Cup champions India will look to avenge their crushing defeat to Pakistan eight years ago and aim for a second consecutive ICC title.

New Zealand, which recently won the tri-nation series in Pakistan, also considers itself a contender for the Champions Trophy.

Australia, after losing key players like captain Pat Cummins, is not in the best position to win the tournament.

The Three Main Favorites for the Champions Trophy:

India

Best Result: Champions (2002, 2013)

ODI Ranking: 1

Key Players: Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya

India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign was meant to be their crowning moment at home, but Australia interrupted their undefeated streak and claimed the title. However, India redeemed themselves by winning the T20 World Cup. Now, they head into the Champions Trophy with their eyes on another major ICC trophy.

Pakistan

Best Result: Champions (2017)

ODI Ranking: 3

Key Players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman

Despite the ups and downs in Pakistan cricket’s history, they are determined to win their first ICC title at home. With key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman in top form, Pakistan is a strong contender to retain the title they won in 2017.

New Zealand

Best Result: Champions (2000)

ODI Ranking: 4

Key Players: Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner

New Zealand has reached the knockout stages of the last five ICC World Cups but has never won a trophy. However, with sharp leadership from Mitchell Santner and the return of Kane Williamson’s form, New Zealand is hopeful of turning the tide and winning the Champions Trophy this year.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be full of excitement as each team will bring their best form to the tournament in hopes of lifting the trophy.