The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on 19th February, bringing together the top eight cricketing nations. The tournament will be held across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. Fans eagerly await the high-stakes clashes, especially the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match on 23rd February.
- The tournament will be played across four venues.
- Shoaib Akhtar predicts Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan as semi-finalists.
- The final could feature a historic India vs Pakistan clash.
- Defending champions Pakistan will aim to retain their title.
Tournament Overview
The ICC Champions Trophy is returning after eight years, last played in 2017. This edition promises high-intensity cricket, with every team eager to claim the prestigious title.
Tournament Schedule & Venues
The event will kick off with Pakistan vs New Zealand at Karachi Stadium. Matches will be played in:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi
- Dubai
India will play their matches in Dubai, a venue known for its balanced conditions.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Bold Predictions
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar shared his predictions for the semi-finalists. His choices surprised many, as he excluded England and Australia. Instead, he picked India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Chance to Shine
According to Akhtar, if Afghanistan plays with maturity, they can secure a semi-final spot. The team has shown rapid improvement and possesses a strong bowling attack.
“If Afghanistan’s team shows maturity during the event, they could make it to the semi-finals.” – Shoaib Akhtar
India vs Pakistan: The High-Voltage Clash
The biggest match of the tournament will be India vs Pakistan on 23rd February. This will be their first meeting since the T20 World Cup 2024, where India emerged victorious.
Akhtar’s Views on the India-Pakistan Rivalry
Shoaib Akhtar believes that Pakistan can defeat India in this tournament. He also hopes to see both teams meet in the final.
“I’m hopeful that Pakistan will defeat India on February 23. In fact, I believe that both Pakistan and India should also meet in the final of the tournament.”
India’s Champions Trophy History
India won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, while Pakistan won in 2017. The competition between these two teams has always been intense, and this edition is expected to be no different.
Semi-Final and Final Expectations
With Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan named as favorites, the competition for the fourth semi-final spot remains open. Teams like Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will fight hard to secure a place.
Will There Be a Historic Final?
If Akhtar’s prediction comes true, fans could witness an India vs Pakistan final. The cricketing world eagerly awaits to see if history will be made in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Key Matches to Watch
- Pakistan vs New Zealand – 19th February (Tournament Opener)
- India vs Pakistan – 23rd February
- Semi-Finals – Date TBD
- Final – Date TBD
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a thrilling tournament. With strong teams, exciting matches, and bold predictions, cricket fans have a lot to look forward to. Will Pakistan defend their title? Can India reclaim glory? Or will Afghanistan cause an upset? The answers will unfold in just a few weeks!
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
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
