The ICC Champions Trophy is one of cricket’s most prestigious One Day International (ODI) tournaments. It features the top-ranked teams competing for glory. First introduced in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Tournament, it was rebranded as the Champions Trophy in 2002.
Unlike the Cricket World Cup, which includes a broader pool of teams, the Champions Trophy is an elite competition with only the top eight ODI teams participating. Before the Champions Trophy 2025 preview, here’s a quick Champions Trophy 2025 Preview of how the tournament format has been modified over the Years.
Evolution of Formats in the Champions Trophy
Over the years, the tournament has seen various formats:
- 1998 & 2000 (Knockout Format): The first two editions followed a straight knockout structure, meaning teams had no second chances—each match was a do-or-die contest. This made for thrilling encounters and meant teams could be eliminated after playing just one game.
- 2002-2004 (Expanded Groups & Knockouts): The format shifted to include a group stage, where teams were split into pools before advancing to the semi-finals. This ensured each team played at least two matches.
- 2006-2025: The tournament was streamlined to an eight-team event, featuring two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout semi-finals, leading to a grand finale. This format is widely regarded as the most balanced and competitive.
Over the years, some of cricket’s biggest powerhouses have won the Champions Trophy. India and Australia hold the record for the most titles, with two victories each (India in 2002* and 2013; Australia in 2006 and 2009). Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand have each claimed the title once (Pakistan in 2017, South Africa in 1998, New Zealand in 2000). Sri Lanka shared the 2002 title with India after the final ended with no results. England, despite being a dominant force in world cricket, is yet to win the tournament.
Key Stats and Records
The winners of the ICC Champions Trophy are many. Here are some of the Trophy records shared by players from different countries
- Most Titles: Australia (2)
- Most Runs: Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 791 runs
- Most Wickets: Kyle Mills (New Zealand) – 28 wickets
- Highest Score: Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) – 114* in the 2017 final
Champions Trophy 2025 Preview
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks the return of this iconic tournament after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan set to host for the first time since 1996. While the last version featured the top eight teams according to the ICC ranking, the 2025 tournament’s qualification hinged on the top eight teams that made it to the end of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
As aforementioned, eight participating teams have been divided into two groups of four. Group A includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B comprises Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England. Below is an all teams Champions Trophy 2025 Preview.
Group A Preview
PAKISTAN
ODI Ranking: 3rd
Best Result in Champions Trophy: ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Winners
What to Expect: Qualify for the Finals
Overview:
As the host nation and defending champions, Pakistan enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with high expectations and a home advantage. Having won their first and only Champions Trophy title in 2017, Pakistan will be eager to replicate their historic triumph, this time on their soil.
Led by a dynamic core of experienced players and young talent, Pakistan boasts a well-balanced squad featuring a lethal pace attack, dependable middle order, and explosive openers. With the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan expected to play key roles, Pakistan will look to dominate at home. However, batting consistency and handling pressure in crunch matches remain areas of concern. The recent tri-nation series loss has been a good wake-up call for Pakistan to make amends before the tourney begins.
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Playing in familiar conditions, Pakistan will enjoy massive home support, but they will also face the pressure of expectations. Their ability to perform under high stakes and maintain composure in key moments will be crucial to their success.
Top Ranked Batsman: Babar Azam – 1st
Top Ranked Bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi – 4th
Schedule:
19th February – vs New Zealand
23rd February – vs India
27th February – vs Bangladesh
INDIA
ODI Ranking: 1st
Best Result in Champions Trophy: ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Winners, shared winners with Sri Lanka in 2002
What to Expect: Qualify for the Semi-finals
Overview:
India, one of the most successful teams in Champions Trophy history, enters the 2025 edition with high ambitions and a point to prove. Having won the title twice (2002 (shared) and 2013*), India will look to add a third trophy to their collection. However, due to ongoing political tensions, India’s matches will be played in Dubai instead of Pakistan, which could pose an added challenge in adapting to conditions.
With a star-studded squad, India boasts one of the most balanced teams in world cricket. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill ensure a strong top order. However, the absence of their ace pacer, Jasprit Bhumrah, will surely hurt India. The team’s depth and experience make them one of the tournament favourites, but handling high-pressure knockout games remains an area of focus.
Top Ranked Batsman: Shubman Gill – 2nd
Top Ranked Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav – 5th
Schedule:
20th February – vs Bangladesh
23rd February – vs Pakistan
2nd March – vs New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND
ODI Ranking: 4th
Best Result in Champions Trophy: ICC Champions Trophy 2000 Winners
What to Expect: Qualify for the Finals
Overview:
New Zealand have consistently proven themselves as one of the most resilient teams in world cricket. Despite being one-time Champions Trophy winners (2000), the Black Caps have often been strong contenders in ICC tournaments, known for their disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and composed batting lineup.
Heading into the 2025 edition, New Zealand will once again rely on their well-structured squad, blending experienced campaigners like Kane Williamson and rising stars like Rachin Ravindra, and Will Young. Their bowling attack will be a major asset in Pakistan’s seamer-friendly conditions. However, their ability to handle spin in subcontinent-like pitches and accelerate in high-pressure games will be crucial.
While they often enter tournaments as underdogs, New Zealand has repeatedly shown their ability to punch above their weight.
Top Ranked Batsman: Shubman Gill – 2nd
Top Ranked Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav – 5th
Schedule:
19th February – vs New Zealand
24th February – vs Bangladesh
2nd March – vs India
BANGLADESH
ODI Ranking: 9th
Best Result in Champions Trophy: Qualified for ICC Champions Trophy 2017 semi-finals
What to Expect: Will not qualify for semi-finals
Overview:
Last on the list to get the Champions Trophy 2025 preview is Bangladesh, perhaps the weakest link in the chain of four. Bangladesh enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 eager to make a statement on the global stage. This will be their third appearance in the Champions Trophy, having previously participated in 2006 and 2017.
Led by a mix of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, Bangladesh will rely on players like Mustafizur Rahman to guide them through the tournament. Their spin attack could be a major weapon in Pakistan’s conditions. Team Bangladesh have been unpredictable but their recent performances in tournaments have been below par with very little improvements seen over the years.
With new faces in the team, the Bengal Tigers will be hoping to put a few wins in their bag.
Top Ranked Batsman: Najmul Hossain Shanto – 28th
Top Ranked Bowler: Taskin Ahmed – 34th
Schedule:
20th February – vs India
24th February – vs New Zealand
27th February – vs Pakistan
Champions Trophy 2025 Preview: Group B
AUSTRALIA
ODI Ranking: 2nd
Best Result in Champions Trophy: ICC Champions Trophy 2006 and 2009 winners
What to Expect: Will qualify for the semi-finals
Overview:
Cricket bullies Australia enter the big tournament with their world-famous pace attack missing from the squad. There isn’t any cricket tournament under the sun that the Australians haven’t won yet.
Despite the absence of their usual fiery pace attack, Australia’s aggressive mindset, world-class batting lineup, and competitive spirit make them a formidable side. Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell will be key figures in the batting department, while their bowling attack will need to adapt quickly to conditions in Pakistan. The lack of experience in their pace unit could be a concern, but Australia has a knack for unearthing match-winners on the big stage.
While this might not be the strongest Australian squad on paper, their ability to thrive under pressure and deliver in ICC events cannot be underestimated.
Top Ranked Batsman: Travis Head – 12th
Top Ranked Bowler: Adam Zampa – 7th
Schedule:
22nd February – vs England
25th February – vs South Africa
28th February – vs Afghanistan
ENGLAND
ODI Ranking: 7th
Best Result in Champions Trophy: qualified for the finals in 2004 and 2013
What to Expect: Will not qualify for the semi-finals
Overview
Second in line for the Champions Trophy 2025 preview is England. the Champions Trophy remains an elusive title for England—they have never won the tournament, finishing as runners-up in 2004 and 2013.
This time, England arrives with a squad in transition, as several senior players near the twilight of their careers while exciting new faces emerge. The explosive top order, featuring Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook, remains one of the most dangerous in world cricket, but their middle-order consistency and ability to adapt to Pakistan’s conditions will be tested.
One of England’s biggest strengths has been their well-rounded pace attack, but with ageing fast bowlers and workload management concerns, their bowling lineup might not have the same firepower as in previous years. The emergence of young quicks and spin options will play a crucial role in their campaign.
With their attacking brand of cricket, England will be one of the teams to watch!
Top Ranked Batsman: Jos Buttler – 38th
Top Ranked Bowler: Adil Rashid – 25th
Schedule:
22nd February – vs Australia
26th February – vs Afghanistan
1st March – vs South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
ODI Ranking: 6th
Best Result in Champions Trophy: qualified for the finals in 2004 and 2013
What to Expect: Will qualify for the finals
Overview
South Africa, the inaugural Champions Trophy winners (1998), enter the 2025 edition with their usual reputation of being a strong side in ICC tournaments—but also carrying the weight of their long-standing knockout stage struggles. Despite boasting some of the most talented squads over the years, the Proteas have often fallen short in crucial moments, a trend they will be desperate to break in Pakistan.
With a squad featuring a dangerous batting lineup led by Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa has the firepower to dominate any attack. Their fast-bowling unit, even without some senior names, remains one of the best, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje leading the charge.
Can they finally overcome their knockout-stage demons and claim a second Champions Trophy title after more than two decades? If they can hold their nerve, South Africa has the potential to go all the way.
Top Ranked Batsman: Heinrich Klaasen – 5th
Top Ranked Bowler: Kagiso Rabada – 18th
Schedule:
21st February – vs Afghanistan
25th February – vs Australia
1st March – vs England
AFGHANISTAN
ODI Ranking: 8th
Best Result in Champions Trophy: Debutants
What to Expect: Will not qualify for the semi-finals
Overview
Afghanistan will make history in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking their tournament debut in what promises to be a landmark moment for their cricketing journey. Over the past decade, Afghanistan has risen rapidly in international cricket.
Led by their inspirational captain, Afghanistan’s biggest strength will be their spin attack, with superstars like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad expected to thrive in Pakistan’s conditions. Their batting, featuring the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, has shown flashes of brilliance but will need to step up against world-class bowling attacks in high-pressure games.
While Afghanistan remains underdogs in this tournament they can pull off major upsets. Their success will depend on how well their batting unit supports their world-class bowling attack.
Top Ranked Batsman: Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 9th
Top Ranked Bowler: Mohammad Nabi – 14th
Schedule:
21st February – vs South Africa
26th February – vs England
28th February – vs Australia
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