By Zainab Shafiq 
Cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, underway across Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. However, one notable absence looms over the tournament—the West Indies, once a dominant force in international cricket, failed to qualify from Champions Trophy. Their non-participation stems from an earlier disappointment: missing out on the 2023 ODI World Cup, which directly eliminated them from contention for this elite tournament.
A Tournament Steeped in Prestige
Originally launched in 1998 to promote cricket in non-Test-playing nations, the Champions Trophy has evolved into a fiercely competitive tournament. Past winners include Australia and India (twice each), while South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and defending champions Pakistan have each lifted the trophy once. The Caribbean team’s triumph in 2004, coupled with runner-up finishes in 1998 and 2006, is now a distant memory as they watch from the sidelines.
With all participating teams fielding their strongest line-ups, the competition promises high-intensity cricket. Captains like Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, India’s Rohit Sharma, and Australia’s Pat Cummins will lead their sides in pursuit of glory. The passion for the tournament is evident, as tickets for India’s matches sold out within minutes—highlighting the immense enthusiasm for the event.
India-Pakistan Tensions Influence Venue Selection
A major storyline surrounding this edition is India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, citing political tensions. As a result, tournament organizers have made a unique arrangement—India will play all their matches in Dubai. Furthermore, if India reach the final, the match will be staged in Dubai; otherwise, it will be held in Lahore, Pakistan.
Despite these geopolitical challenges, the tournament boasts a substantial budget of $70 million, with a lucrative prize pool exceeding $4.5 million. The eventual champions will take home approximately $2.2 million, making victory not just a matter of prestige but also financial reward.
For the West Indies, their absence serves as a stark reminder of their decline in ODI cricket. Once a powerhouse, they now find themselves outside the sport’s top-tier competitions. As the Champions Trophy unfolds, the Caribbean will have to watch from afar, contemplating what it will take to reclaim their place among the elite.
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Why Sri Lanka won’t compete in Champions Trophy 2025?