The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the triumphant return of cricket’s prestigious ODI tournament after an eight-year hiatus. Hosted primarily in Pakistan and partially in the UAE, this ninth edition features eight elite teams, including favorites like India, Pakistan, and Australia, battling for glory across 15 high-stakes matches . For fans in the UK, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra emerges as the premier destination for live Champions Trophy coverage, offering ball-by-ball ICC Champions Trophy updates and unparalleled accessibility .
With political tensions relocating India’s matches—including a potential final—to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the tournament blends sporting excellence with geopolitical nuance . The BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra team ensures listeners won’t miss a moment, from the India vs. Pakistan clash on 23 February to the final on 9 March .
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: Your Gateway to Live Coverage
Schedule and Match Timings
All 15 matches air live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, starting at 09:00 GMT (14:00 Pakistan Standard Time). Key fixtures include:
- 19 Feb: Pakistan vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
- 23 Feb: India vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
- 9 Mar: Final (Dubai or Lahore, depending on India’s qualification)
For GMT conversions, subtract 5 hours from PST. The full schedule is available on the BBC Sport app, synced with live text updates .
Meet the Commentary Team
The Test Match Special (TMS) panel features cricket legends like Jonathan Agnew, whose sharp analysis has defined BBC cricket coverage for decades, and Aatif Nawaz, offering bilingual insights. Former England spinner Alex Hartley adds a fresh perspective, while Tymal Mills provides player-centric commentary . Behind the scenes, the TMS team leverages cutting-edge tech to deliver crisp audio, ensuring every boundary and wicket resonates with clarity.
Innovations in Cricket Broadcasting
Accessibility Features
The 2025 Champions Trophy prioritizes inclusivity. While JioStar’s Indian Sign Language (ISL) feed—a 2024 National Award winner—caters to Indian audiences, the BBC complements this with Audio Descriptive Commentary for visually impaired fans . These efforts mirror a global shift toward accessibility in sports broadcasting, ensuring cricket reaches every corner of its diverse fanbase.
Digital vs. Radio Experience
Unlike Sky Sports’ TV coverage or JioHotstar’s 16-language streams, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra offers a uniquely immersive auditory experience. While digital platforms like ICC.tv stream matches free in 80+ territories, radio’s charm lies in its simplicity—no screens required . For UK listeners, the choice boils down to multi-cam feeds on Sky Sports versus TMS’s evocative storytelling .
How to Maximize Your Listening Experience
Tuning In via BBC Sounds
- Download the BBC Sounds app or visit BBC Sport Online.
- Navigate to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
- Select “Live” during match hours for uninterrupted commentary.
Syncing with Live Text Updates
Enhance your experience by pairing radio commentary with the BBC Sport app’s real-time text updates. Track stats, player profiles, and fan reactions simultaneously, creating a multi-sensory engagement hub .
FAQs
Q: Is BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra free to access?
A: Yes! Tune in via FM radio, BBC Sounds, or the BBC Sport website at no cost .
Q: Will there be highlights if I miss a match?
A: Post-match recaps are available on BBC Cricket’s Instagram and WhatsApp channels, alongside in-play highlights on the app .
Alternative Live Radio Channels for Champions Trophy 2025
| Region | Radio Station |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra |
| India | All India Radio |
| Pakistan | HUM 106.2FM |
| UAE | Talk 100.3FM, Big 106.2 |
| Bangladesh | Radio Shadhin 92.4, Radio Bhumi 92.8 |
| Sri Lanka | Lakhanda Radio |
For full broadcast details, visit the ICC’s official schedule or explore Sky Sports’ TV guide for complementary viewing options.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
