The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is returning after eight years. The tournament will start on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan and the UAE. Eight top teams will compete across 15 matches. Each team has a special player who can make a big difference. These players are called X-factors because they can change the game.
- The tournament will feature eight teams playing in Pakistan and the UAE.
- Every team has a special player who can turn the match in their favor.
- These X-factor players include batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders.
Afghanistan – Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s most important player. He is a world-class spinner and a strong all-rounder. His ability to take wickets makes him a dangerous bowler.
Rashid has taken 198 wickets in 111 ODIs with a great economy of 4.20. He also performed well in the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking 11 wickets in 9 matches.
He is also a great leader. Even though he is not the official captain, his experience helps Afghanistan. His success in SA20 2025, where he became the highest T20 wicket-taker, proves his value.
South Africa – Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen is a key player for South Africa. He is a fast bowler and a useful batsman. His height and left-arm bowling make him difficult to face.
Jansen has taken 41 wickets in 26 ODIs. His batting average of 27.1 adds value to his team. He was the Player of the Series in SA20 2025, with 19 wickets and 204 runs.
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he played a big role in South Africa reaching the semi-finals. His ability to bowl in all conditions makes him an X-factor for his team.
Australia – Steve Smith
With Pat Cummins likely to miss the tournament, Steve Smith will lead Australia. He is one of the best batsmen and a smart captain.
Smith has been in great form. He scored hundreds in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the BBL. He also played well against Sri Lanka, scoring 270+ runs in two Test innings.
In the 2017 Champions Trophy, Smith led Australia and scored 86 runs in three games. His ability to perform under pressure makes him Australia’s key player.
England – Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler is England’s captain and main batsman. He will have the responsibility to lead his team in this tournament.
England has struggled in recent ICC events. Buttler will need to improve their performance. His recent form has been strong, especially in the India series.
This will be Buttler’s third Champions Trophy. He had a poor record in 2013 and 2017, but this time, he will aim to lead his team to success.
Bangladesh – Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a key player for Bangladesh. He is an excellent all-rounder who can win games with both bat and ball.
In 2024, he scored 305 runs at an average of 38.12 and took 8 wickets at an economy of 4.82. He also won the Player of the Tournament award in BPL 2025.
With similar playing conditions in Pakistan and UAE, Mehidy’s performance will be crucial for Bangladesh.
Pakistan – Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is making a comeback to the Pakistan team. He is a top-order batsman and was the hero of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy win.
Fakhar scored a match-winning 114 runs against India in the 2017 final. He has been out of international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he is ready to return.
With Pakistan hosting the event, his experience and batting power will be important. He recently scored 84 runs in a match against New Zealand, showing he is in good form.
New Zealand – Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025. He is a top spinner and a reliable middle-order batsman.
Santner’s ability to control the game with his spin bowling is key for New Zealand. In ODIs, he has taken 112 wickets at an economy of 4.84.
New Zealand will rely on him, especially in Pakistan and UAE, where spinners perform well. His leadership skills will also be tested in this tournament.
India – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been promoted to vice-captain of India. He is one of the best young batsmen and a key player for his team.
Gill has scored 2,475 runs in 49 ODIs with an average of almost 60. He played well against England, scoring back-to-back fifties.
His ability to play both spin and pace makes him a valuable asset for India. The selectors see him as a future leader, and he will aim to lead India to glory in the Champions Trophy 2025.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be an exciting tournament. Each team has a special X-factor player who can change the game. From Rashid Khan’s spin to Steve Smith’s leadership, these players will be the ones to watch.
Pakistan, as the defending champions and host nation, will look to players like Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi. Meanwhile, India will rely on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. Every match will be thrilling, and these stars will aim to lead their teams to victory.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
