The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, 2025, bringing cricket enthusiasts an exhilarating competition hosted across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This ninth edition of the Champions Trophy promises to deliver top-notch cricketing action as eight elite teams in the ODI format battle it out for the coveted title.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan proudly hosting the event for the first time since 1996. Defending champions Pakistan will kick off the event with a thrilling encounter against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Notably, India will play all their matches in Dubai due to diplomatic and security considerations.
Official Anthem
The official anthem for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, “Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke,” performed by Atif Aslam, has already generated excitement among fans worldwide, setting the tone for an electrifying competition.
How to Watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE
Cricket fans across the globe can enjoy comprehensive coverage of all matches through various broadcast and streaming platforms. Here are the official broadcasters for different regions:
• India: JioStar (Live streaming on Jio Hotstar, TV coverage on Star and Network 18 channels)
• Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports (Streaming on Myco and Tamasha apps)
• UAE and MENA: CricLife Max, CricLife Max2 (Streaming via STARZPLAY)
• UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action (Digital on SkyGO, NOW, and Sky Sports App)
• USA & Canada: WillowTV (Streaming via Willow by Cricbuzz app, with Hindi commentary)
• Caribbean: ESPNCaribbean (Streaming on ESPN Play Caribbean app)
• Australia: Prime Video (with Hindi commentary available)
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ (Digital coverage via Now and SkyGo app)
• South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport and SuperSport App
• Bangladesh: Nagorik TV and T Sports (Digital streaming on Toffee app)
• Afghanistan: ATN
• Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1) and Sirasa (Digital platform)
Qualification and Teams
Qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was determined by the standings of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The top eight teams from that tournament, including host nation Pakistan, earned their spots.
Groups:
• Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand
• Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa
Debutants: Afghanistan will make their debut appearance in the ICC Champions Trophy, entering the tournament after an impressive performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Tournament Format
The Champions Trophy will follow its traditional format. The eight teams are divided into two groups, with each team playing three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in a grand final.
Key Dates:
• Opening Match: February 19, 2025 – Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
• India vs. Pakistan Clash: February 24, 2025 (Dubai)
• Semi-finals: March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore)
• Final: March 9, 2025 (Lahore; if India qualifies, the final will be moved to Dubai)
Prize Money
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 boasts a prize pool of USD 6.9 million, marking a 53% increase from the 2017 edition.
• Winners: USD 2.24 million
• Runners-up: USD 1.12 million
• Losing Semi-finalists: USD 560,000 each
Memorable Moments
The last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017 concluded with Pakistan’s iconic 180-run victory over India at The Oval, London. Fakhar Zaman’s century earned him the Player of the Match award, while Hasan Ali’s all-round performance saw him named Player of the Tournament.
With its thrilling lineup of matches, iconic rivalries, and the best of ODI cricket, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to captivate fans around the globe. Get ready to witness cricketing history unfold in Pakistan and the UAE as the world’s top teams vie for the prestigious trophy.