By Zainab Shafiq 
Cricket fans, get ready! The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with the host nation Pakistan facing off against New Zealand in Karachi. The tournament will culminate in a thrilling final on March 9. This blog discusses FAQs regarding Champions Trophy 2025. Make sure to read till the end to find out the answers.
Champions Trophy 2025 FAQs
When did last edition of Champions Trophy take place and who won that?
The last edition of the Champions Trophy took place in 2017, where Pakistan triumphed over India in an electrifying final in England. The tournament, once held every two years, shifted to a four-year cycle after 2009. The 2021 edition was initially planned for India but was later replaced by the T20 World Cup.
Who will host Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan is the official host for the Champions Trophy 2025, but there’s a twist. Due to political tensions, India will not travel to Pakistan. Instead, India’s matches will be played in Dubai under a hybrid model. Other matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
When will the opening ceremony take place?
The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 16 in Lahore, but there will be no traditional captains’ event or press conference due to logistical reasons.
Which match is considered most high-stakes?
One of the most awaited matches of the tournament, India vs Pakistan, is set for February 23 in Dubai. Unlike the World Cups, where India hold a dominant 15-1 record, the Champions Trophy history between these two teams is much closer, with Pakistan leading 3-2.
Why are West Indies not playing in Champions Trophy 2025?
West Indies failed to qualify because they did not make it to the 2023 ODI World Cup, which determined the Champions Trophy participants.
What happened to Sri Lanka and Netherlands?
Both teams finished 9th and 10th in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, missing out on qualification.
When was the last time an ICC event was held in Pakistan?
The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC tournament was in 1996, when they co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
Who’s playing? Meet the teams
The tournament features eight teams, the same as in 2017. This time, Afghanistan have qualified, replacing Sri Lanka. Here’s how the groups are structured:
- Group A: India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Ireland missed out as they failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup, which determined the participants.
Tournament format: How it works?
Each team will play the others in their group once. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals:
- Semi-final 1: A1 vs B2 (March 4 in Dubai if India qualify)
- Semi-final 2: B1 vs A2 (March 5 in Lahore if Pakistan qualify)
- Final: March 9 in Lahore (or Dubai if India qualify)
If a match ends in a tie, a Super Over will decide the winner. If the Super Over is also tied, additional Super Overs will be played.
What If rain plays spoilsport?
- Semi-finals and finals have reserve days.
- A minimum of 25 overs is required in knockout matches (20 overs in group games) for the DLS method to determine a result.
- If a semi-final is washed out, the team with a higher group stage ranking will advance to the final.
- If the final is washed out, the trophy will be shared.
Key team updates & player watchlist
Australia
- Defending ODI world champions but missing key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh (all injured).
- Marcus Stoinis has retired.
South Africa
- Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee were ruled out.
Afghanistan
- Ibrahim Zadran returns from injury.
- Watch out for mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar.
India
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will aim to regain form.
Pakistan
- Fakhar Zaman is back, hoping to recreate his 2017 heroics.
England
- Veteran Joe Root is making a comeback.
Bangladesh
- Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das were left out of the squad.
New Zealand
- First ICC event under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner.
Where to watch: Global broadcast details
- Afghanistan: Ariana TV
- Australia: Prime Video
- Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports
- England: Sky Sports
- India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- Pakistan: PTV, A Sports, tapmad
- South Africa: SuperSport
- Sri Lanka: Star Sports Network
- UAE: Starz On
- USA: Willow TV
With a mix of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and fierce rivalries, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an action-packed tournament. Whether it’s the India vs Pakistan showdown, the intense semi-final battles, or the grand finale, this event is set to capture the hearts of cricket lovers worldwide.
Also, see:
No Saim Ayub as Pakistan announces 15-member squad for Champions Trophy 2025