The ICC Champions Trophy is making its return after seven years, with India aiming to add another title to its collection following its T20 World Cup success in Barbados. In the previous edition, India reached the final but lost to Pakistan by 180 runs. However, with the upcoming tournament just a month away, India, led by Rohit Sharma, is hopeful of clinching the title this time.
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that India’s white-ball team is well “settled” and has a strong chance of winning the upcoming Champions Trophy. Pathan praised the team’s balance and added that young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy could strengthen the squad further. He emphasized that the bowling unit would play a critical role in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams and 15 matches in the 50-over format, hosted across Pakistan and Dubai. India is scheduled to face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. Pakistan’s Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will host the group stages, while Lahore will stage the second semi-final. In case India qualifies for the final, it will be held in Dubai.
Shane Watson, former Australian cricketer and ICC ambassador, expressed regret over India’s absence from Pakistan, noting that the rivalry between India and Pakistan always makes for an exciting match. Watson praised the Champions Trophy format for being intense, where every match is crucial due to the small number of teams.
The ICC confirmed in December 2024 that Pakistan will host the 2025 Champions Trophy alongside a neutral venue as part of the hybrid model for all ICC events during the 2024-27 cycle. Given the political tensions between India and Pakistan, the two countries have not played bilateral series since 2012-13, with encounters limited to ICC events and Asia Cups.
India’s group also includes Bangladesh and New Zealand, with India’s fixtures in Dubai scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2.
