- February 16, 2025
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan showdown headlines high-stakes Group A contests | Cricket News – The Times of India
After the thrilling T20 World Cup and the intense race to the World Test Championship final, the cricketing world now shifts its focus to ODI cricket with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan, marks the first major ICC event in the country since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
ODIs took a backseat in 2024 after the highs of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup in India, but the Champions Trophy is set to reignite the format’s charm. This edition is especially significant as it marks the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus, with the last edition played in 2017, where Pakistan secured a famous 180-run victory over India in the final at The Oval.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
The tournament features eight teams, divided into two groups of four. Group A consists of arch-rivals Pakistan and India, alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand, promising high-octane encounters. While Group B has World champions Australia, England, South Africa and debutants Afghanistan. The top two teams from the group will progress to the semi-finals.
Here’s how the Group A contenders stacked up ahead of the tournament:
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (PTI photo)
India: Title contenders despite injury setback
India enter the Champions Trophy as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a star-studded squad despite the unfortunate injury to pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s batting remains formidable, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer anchoring the top order.
A key strength of this Indian side is its all-round depth, with Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar providing balance. The inclusion of fresh faces like Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy in the bowling lineup adds variety to the attack. Having finished runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup, India will be keen to go one step further this time.
India squad for Champions Trophy:
- Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (Image credit: PCB)
Pakistan: Hosts eyeing home glory amidst pressure
As the host nation and defending champions, Pakistan team carries the weight of expectations. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team will look to leverage home advantage and repeat their 2017 success. However, the squad faces challenges, including recent coaching instability, with Aqib Javed serving as interim coach.
With a potent pace attack featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s bowling remains one of their biggest strengths. Their batting lineup, led by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, will need to deliver consistently under pressure.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand cricketers (PTI photo)
New Zealand: Aiming for another white-ball trophy
The Black Caps, under new white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, are strong contenders for the title. New Zealand are known for their consistency in ICC tournaments and will be eager to secure their first major ODI trophy since their 2000 ICC Knockout win against India.
The Kiwis open the tournament against Pakistan in Karachi — a crucial clash that could set the tone for their campaign. With seasoned players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand team boasts a well-balanced squad capable of challenging any team.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy:
- Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
Bangladesh cricketers (Agency Photo)
Bangladesh: The perennial underdogs with big ambitions
Bangladesh have a reputation for punching above their weight in ICC tournaments, and skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto has set high expectations, boldly stating, “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions.”
Despite mixed results in recent series, Bangladesh will take confidence from their semi-final run in the 2017 edition, where they stunned New Zealand with a record chase in Cardiff. Veterans like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim will be crucial in guiding the team, while young talents like Tawhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz look to make an impact.
Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy:
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
Group A Fixtures:
- February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- February 20 – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- February 23 – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- February 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
- March 2 – India vs New Zealand, Dubai
The semi-finals will be played on March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore), while the final is scheduled for March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, if Team India qualifies, the final will be shifted to Dubai.
A group of fireworks and high stakes
With a Pakistan-India clash, a resilient Bangladesh side, and a determined New Zealand unit, Group A promises some of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. The race to the semi-finals will be fierce, and cricket fans worldwide can expect a thrilling start to the 2025 cricketing calendar.
Will India finally claim the Champions Trophy after falling short in 2017? Can Pakistan defend their title at home? Or will New Zealand or Bangladesh spring a surprise? The answers unfold from February 19.
