Overview

• The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 19 and features eight top-ranked ODI teams in a condensed 15-match format.
• Pakistan, the defending champions, will host the tournament across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while India’s matches will be played in Dubai due to government restrictions on travel to Pakistan.
• The tournament format includes two groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals and a final scheduled for March 9.
• India enters as one of the favorites, led by experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but faces challenges with injuries to star bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
• Key political and logistical challenges include Afghanistan's participation raising human rights concerns and the uncertainty of the final venue, which depends on India’s qualification.