The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is making a grand comeback after an eight-year break, and cricket fans worldwide couldn’t be more excited! Hosted by Pakistan, the tournament is set to begin on February 19, with the opening match between the host nation and New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
This edition promises intense action as eight teams, divided into two groups, battle it out for glory. Let’s dive into the details, including the complete team squads announced for this marquee event.
Tournament Overview
- Host Country: Pakistan
- Start Date: February 19, 2025
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand
- Format: Group Stage → Semi-Finals → Final
- Groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand
- Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
Full Squads of Participating Teams
Here’s a closer look at the squads announced for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
| Team | Squad |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 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 Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana. |
| India | Squad yet to be announced. |
| Pakistan | Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafiq, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah, Abbas Afridi. |
| New Zealand | Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young. |
| Afghanistan | Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. |
| England | Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood. |
| Australia | Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. |
| South Africa | Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen. |
Key Highlights of the Tournament
- Pakistan Defends Their Title: As the defending champions, Pakistan carries the weight of expectations. With players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi in top form, they aim to lift the trophy again.
- India’s Awaited Squad Announcement: Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await India’s squad reveal, given their history of strong performances in ICC tournaments.
- New Zealand’s Balanced Team: Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, New Zealand boasts a mix of experience and youth.
- Afghanistan’s Rising Stars: Afghanistan brings a dynamic squad featuring world-class players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.
- Australia’s Star-Studded Lineup: Led by Pat Cummins, the Australian team is packed with firepower, both in batting and bowling.
What to Expect
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to deliver gripping matches, with teams vying for cricketing supremacy. Will Pakistan retain their crown, or will a new champion emerge?
Stay tuned for live updates and exclusive coverage of the tournament on punjabtimes.pk!
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New Zealand Team
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Afghanistan Team
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Australia Team
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South Africa Team
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Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of cricket. With world-class squads and exciting matchups, it’s bound to captivate fans across the globe. Make sure to mark your calendars for February 19, 2025, and don’t miss out on the action!
FAQs
- When does the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 start?
The tournament begins on February 19, 2025. - Who are the defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy?
Pakistan is the defending champion, having won the last edition in 2017. - Which teams are participating in the tournament?
Eight teams are participating: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. - Where is the opening match being held?
The opening match will take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. - Has India announced their squad for the tournament?
No, India’s squad is yet to be announced.
