KKN Gurugram Desk | After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return, with host nation Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi. This tournament, once on the verge of being scrapped, has been reinstated, featuring the top eight teams based on their ranking in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

While Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the first time, Afghanistan will make its debut in the tournament, adding a new dimension to the competition. With legendary players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma potentially playing their last ICC event, the excitement surrounding the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is at its peak.

Here’s a detailed look at the key highlights, team dynamics, and factors that will shape the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

1. ICC Champions Trophy Returns After Eight Years

The last Champions Trophy was played in 2017, with Pakistan defeating India by 180 runs in the final at The Oval. Initially, the ICC had planned to replace it with the World Test Championship, but after reconsideration, the tournament was reinstated.

However, it was missing from the 2021 ICC schedule, making its return in 2025 a significant event. The tournament, formerly known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy, will now reclaim its place among cricket’s most prestigious competitions.

2. Defending Champions – Pakistan

Pakistan, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, enters the tournament as the defending champion. Their victory over India in 2017 remains one of the most remarkable wins in ICC history. However, the squad has undergone major changes since then.

• Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are the only two players from the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad still in the team.
• The absence of experienced players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez puts more responsibility on younger talents.
• Pakistan’s batting lineup and bowling attack will be key in defending their title.

With home advantage and an eager fanbase, Pakistan will be looking to make history again.

3. First Major ICC Tournament in Pakistan Since 1996

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark the first major ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, which was co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.

• In 2009, an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore led to security concerns, causing Pakistan to lose hosting rights for international tournaments.
• The 2009 Champions Trophy was moved to South Africa, and Pakistan had not hosted a global cricket event since.

With high security measures in place, this tournament will be a historic moment for Pakistan cricket as it welcomes back international teams.

4. India to Play Matches in UAE – A Hybrid Model

While Pakistan is the official host nation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan due to the Indian government’s decision.

• Instead, UAE has been selected as the neutral venue for all of India’s matches.
• The ICC adopted a hybrid model for the tournament, ensuring that India and Pakistan do not travel to each other’s countries.
• This model will remain in effect for ICC events until 2027.

This decision means that India vs. Pakistan matches will take place on neutral ground, likely in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making them highly anticipated clashes.

5. Afghanistan’s Historic Entry into the Champions Trophy

Afghanistan has achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for its first-ever Champions Trophy. The team secured a spot by finishing sixth in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with impressive performances.

• Afghanistan won four out of nine matches in the 2023 World Cup, surpassing Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.
• Their spin-heavy bowling attack, featuring Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, will be a significant threat.
• With Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran leading the batting lineup, Afghanistan is no longer an underdog.

Their debut in the Champions Trophy 2025 marks a new chapter in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.

6. Shorter Group Stage Format – Only Three Matches Per Team

The ICC has retained the tournament format introduced in 2006, ensuring:

• Eight teams divided into two groups of four.
• Each team plays three matches in the group stage.
• Top two teams from each group qualify for the semifinals.

With only three games per team, every match becomes crucial, leaving no room for slow starts or recovery. Consistency will be key for teams looking to lift the trophy.

7. Possibly the Last ICC Tournament for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

With India transitioning towards a younger squad, this Champions Trophy could be the last ODI tournament for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

• Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, had previously hinted at a young squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
• If this is their final 50-over ICC event, both Kohli and Rohit will aim to end their ODI careers on a high note.
• Their experience in pressure situations will be crucial for India’s title hopes.

If this turns out to be their farewell ICC event, fans will be eager to witness one last masterclass from two of India’s greatest batsmen.

8. Missing Stars Due to Injuries

The Champions Trophy 2025 will miss several key players due to injuries, affecting team balance.

Major Players Missing the Tournament:

• India: Jasprit Bumrah (ruled out due to injury).
• Australia: Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and three other key players will be absent.
• South Africa & England: Facing injury concerns among top-order batsmen and bowlers.

The absence of these players opens opportunities for young talents to shine on the big stage. However, injuries may impact team strategies throughout the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an exciting and historic event as it returns after eight years. With Pakistan hosting its first ICC event since 1996, the tournament holds immense significance.

Key storylines include:

• Pakistan defending its title with a new squad.
• India playing in UAE due to political tensions.
• Afghanistan making its Champions Trophy debut.
• Possibly the last ICC event for Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma.

With the top eight teams competing and a high-stakes format, the tournament will be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

Stay tuned for live updates, match analyses, and exclusive coverage of ICC Champions Trophy 2025! ????????