‘All on the line’- SG previews the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin on the 19th of February in Pakistan, as the hosts take on New Zealand in the opening game in Karachi. This will mark the first time since the 1996 World Cup that Pakistan are hosting an ICC event. The nation has been through many hardships since that tournament, from terror attacks to the suspension of international cricket. But now Pakistan look to put all the misery behind them, and march forward to a brighter future with this tournament.
The Champions Trophy has always been a tight competition, with a very limited number of teams competing. This means even one unexpected result can change the fate of any participating nation. Even the slogan for this edition appropriately matches the tension the competition provides – ‘All on the line’. Eight nations will be fighting for the coveted title, with every participant bringing something different to the table-
Afghanistan
Afghanistan are the only debutants in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and the first the competition has seen since the USA in 2004. They impressed many at the 2023 ICC World Cup by beating England and Pakistan, victories which helped them secure a place in this Champions Trophy.
That phenomenal momentum has been maintained in the ODI format, as they won four out of the five bilateral series they have played after the World Cup. The form could be credited to the leadership of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who took charge of the team from the 2023 World Cup.
While they may be minnows in comparison to their opponents, don’t rule out the Afghan Atalans from causing some major upsets.
Australia
The most successful team in Champions Trophy history and the defending ODI champions of the world, Australia are natural born winners. Despite always entering an ICC event as one of the favourites, this time the Aussies’ chances are slimmer than usual.
They have some major absences in Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and most importantly, their World Cup winning captain and spearhead pacer, Pat Cummins. Whilst massively hindering, Australia still have no shortage of star players, as many big names are in the squad travelling to Pakistan. Steve Smith takes over the captaincy once again, who has a well proven track record in charge of Australia.
A weaker squad does not diminish Australia’s chances as they still pack a punch with an experienced captain, and definitely are one of the favourites.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh are truly one of the most inconsistent teams in this Champions Trophy. But this helps add mystery to them, as they can be completely unpredictable. In fact their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto is quite confident about their chances, stating to ESPNCricinfo– “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions. All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability.”
Bangladesh did surprise many in the previous Champions Trophy in 2017 by reaching the semi-final, beating a formidable New Zealand in an incredible run chase in the group stage.
While The Tigers’ form has been sub-par, there is a drive in them as said by their captain and they are no strangers to causing shocks in ICC events.
England
England are in a transitional period at the moment, with red ball head coach Brendon McCullum, recently taking over white ball responsibilities. The Three Lions have failed to replicate their form from their successful 2019 World Cup run in the ODI format. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, England had a disappointing run as defending champions finishing seventh in the group phase.
Hiring McCullum is a step in the right direction for them, as his attacking Bazball style of play which has revolutionised Test cricket, clearly suits the white ball formats. He has however a had a rough start as the white ball coach, losing 4-1 in a T20I series and then 3-0 in a ODI series against India just prior to the Champions Trophy.
England still have an absolutely stacked squad for Champions Trophy. With star batter Joe Root returning to the format, and Jos Buttler at the helm, England still have a lot to offer in Pakistan.
India
Without a doubt, on paper, India are favourites for the Champions Trophy, as they are the number one ranked side in ODIs. The Men in Blue will be hoping to shake off the memory of losing to rivals Pakistan in the final of the 2017 edition.
India have a significant advantage over every other team, knowing their venue, as they play all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, due to security concerns in travelling to Pakistan. The competition can be shaped based on India’s performance, as their qualification for the semi-final and final (which is very likely) can see the final being played in Dubai instead of the intended venue of Lahore.
It’s no mystery that star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in shaky form entering the tournament, and their top bowler Jasprit Bumrah is absent due to injury, severely reducing their bowling threat. Yet India still has a fantastic squad, with a solid blend of experience and young blood, and rarely fail to impress at an ICC event.
New Zealand
New Zealand always enter as the dark horses at every ICC event, and it seems to be the case once again. The Black Caps always perform exceptionally in the ODI format, having qualified for at least the semi final stage for every ODI World Cup since 2007, even reaching the final in 2015 and 2019. The Champions Trophy however has been very elusive for them recently, making it past the group stage previously in 2009.
The ‘golden generation’ of New Zealand is on its last legs, as major figureheads such as Tim Southee and Trent Boult have announced their retirement from international cricket, and batting force Kane Williamson may have just another few years in him.
But the Kiwis still have more than enough steam in them, coming fresh off a tri-series win in Pakistan against the hosts and South Africa. They hold a very good opportunity to finally cast off the dark horse moniker and become champions.
Pakistan
As hosts and defending champions, Pakistan have a lot of weight riding on their shoulders. As mentioned this is the first ICC event the nation has hosted since 1996, and fans are hoping to see some success on home soil.
Pakistan struggled for successful campaigns after their 2017 win in both the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cup, due to erratic form and constant changes to line-ups and game plans, having had ten separate head coaches since 2019.
Pakistan still possess an array of world class talents such as Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Babar Azam. New captain Mohammad Rizwan has had a promising start in ODIs, having won all bilateral series’ he has led the Shaheens in. With home advantage, the defending champions have the passion of millions behind them to retain the title.
South Africa
South Africa have a unfortunate reputation in ICC events of always falling short of winning the competition, even though they are often touted as favourites at every event. It is usually forgotten, but South Africa were the first ever winners of the Champions Trophy (Then called the ICC Knockout Trophy) in 1995.
The Proteas are in a very peculiar position heading into this tournament. South African sports journalist, Daniel Gallan, had fiery thoughts regarding his nation’s chances, stating- “I think there’s a good chance they can lose all three matches. They have a very settled squad, alot of players that made the 2024 T20 World Cup final, but it depends on how far senior players like Klaasen and Miller can go.”
“Afghanistan can be very hit or miss, Australia are missing some major stars and England have been in a poor run of form, so anything can happen.”
Daniel’s frustrations are justified as South Africa have only won one ODI series after the 2023 World Cup, against Ireland. An aging squad is a valid concern, as young talents such as Matthew Breetzke, who recently scored the highest score on debut in an ODI, failed to make the final squad. Yet as Daniel mentioned, with the state of their group stage opponents, South Africa are more than capable of performing on the day.
