India Wins Champions Trophy 2025 as Pakistan Faces Criticism Over Hosting Role

India defeated New Zealand in the final in Dubai, while Pakistan's absence on the podium and poor performance drew scrutiny.

India claimed its third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in the final, with Rohit Sharma leading the team to victory and contributing a crucial 76-run knock.
Pakistan, the tournament's host, faced backlash for its poor performance, finishing last in its group and failing to advance beyond the group stage.
Controversy arose when no Pakistani representative was present during the final's trophy presentation, prompting the PCB to lodge a formal complaint with the ICC over alleged protocol issues.
Critics, including former cricketer Kamran Akmal, attributed Pakistan's absence on the podium to their disappointing cricketing standards, calling it a 'reality check' for the team and board.
The tournament saw a stark contrast in fan engagement, with packed crowds in Dubai for India's matches versus lukewarm attendance in Pakistan, highlighting the economic and cultural dominance of Indian cricket.