The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is set to return after an eight-year break and will feature all action-pack in a tournament of the top cricketing nations around the world. Schedul for 19th February to 9 March 2025, it will be co-host in Pakistan and the UAE. In this context, the most significant achievement is that, for the first time since 1996, international cricket will be back in Pakistan on the global platform.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy : A Long-Awaited Return to Glory
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy was last conducted in the year 2017 when Pakistan was declared champions. Cricket fans around the globe are waiting eagerly to watch the tournament again. Eight teams have been placed in two groups to compete for 15 matches over 19 days of competition.
The teams who have qualified are as under;
Group A
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- New Zealand
Group B
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Venues: A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
The matches will be playing across iconic stadiums in Pakistan and the UAE. The matches in Pakistan will take place in the National Stadium, Karachi; Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In the UAE, matches will take place at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which happens to be the ICC’s headquarters as well.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: Main Matches to Watch Out for
The Pakistan tournament gets underway with the hosts against New Zealand in Karachi on 19 February. The stakes are always high for the Pakistan-India contest, which will take place on 23 February in Dubai. Fans are in for other mouthwatering contests:
- 22 February: Australia vs. England in Lahore
- 21 February: Afghanistan vs. South Africa in Karachi
- 20 February: Bangladesh vs. India in Dubai
The semi-finals would take place on 4th March in Dubai and on 5th March in Lahore. The grand finale will be held at Lahore on 9th March; a reserve day has also been schedule. However, in the event that it gets its passage to the final, India prefers to play it in Dubai for a logistically preferred schedule.
A Celebration of Cricket
This edition of the Champions Trophy is just a testimony to cricket’s success and resilience. Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC, was thrilled talking about the potential of mixing heritage with the finest of cricket on the world stage. Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, also spoke a lot about the importance of the event held for Pakistan, where the country was committed and dedicated to hosting a ‘world-class’ tournament.
Historic Significance
The ICC Champions Trophy has an impressive history since its founding in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Trophy. The champions include:
- South Africa: First-ever champions (1998, Dhaka)
- New Zealand: Champions in 2000 (Nairobi)
- India and Sri Lanka: Tied for the championship in 2002 (Colombo)
- Australia: Consecutive champion in 2006 and 2009
- West Indies: Champions in 2004 (London)
- Pakistan: Champions in 2017 (London)
The teams that have achieved success most of the time are Australia and India, with each winning the tournament twice.
FAQs
1. When is the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025?
The tournament will be play from 19 February to 9 March 2025.
2. Which teams are competing in the Champions Trophy 2025?
The eight teams are Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.
3. Where will the matches be play?
The matches will be play in Pakistan (Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi) and the UAE (Dubai).
4. Which matches to watch out for?
Some of the key matches to watch out for include Pakistan vs. India on 23 February in Dubai and Australia vs. England on 22 February in Lahore.
5. Where will the final be play?
The final is schedule for 9 March 2025 in Lahore. If India qualifies, it will be play in Dubai.
Be First to Comment