ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and cricket fans have never been this excited. The current Champion Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling showcase of world-class cricket. It will feature the world’s best eight-performing teams battling each other to claim the title. The competition is expected to be fierce, and every fixture offers a unique matchup.

For those eager to follow the Champion Trophy 2025 games live, you’re in luck! Never miss a moment and stream the full tournament live on STARZPLAY, the official streaming partner for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Comprehensive Guide to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will reignite the cricketing world from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This long-awaited return after an eight-year hiatus will be marked by this latest edition, which will be hosted primarily in Pakistan, with select matches in Dubai. 

Participating Teams in the 2025 Champions Trophy

This tournament, just like previous ICC Champions, will feature the top eight One Day International (ODI) teams, including: 

India (IND) – One of the strongest contenders for the championship title

• Qualification: India managed to secure its spot by finishing among the top seven teams in the Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage.
• Performance: India has a consistent track record in ICC championships, boasting a strong batting lineup led by stalwarts like Virat Kohli and emerging talents, like the 25 year-old Shubman Gill. 
• Prospects: According to ESPN analysts, India is widely considered as a strong favorite to win the Champions Trophy 2025, given their recent performances, and historical track record in previous championships.

Pakistan (PAK) – Proven track record in previous championships

• Qualification: Just like previous championships, the host nation automatically qualifies for the Champion Trophy 2025.
• Performance: As the reigning champions from the 2017 edition, Pakistan is set to defend its title. This time, the team is playing on home soil, which provides them with a significant edge. Not to mention the key players that their squad features, like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

• Prospects: Home advantage and strong team performance across previous championships makes Pakistan a formidable contender in the Champion Trophy 2025.

Bangladesh (BAN) – The original host of the first ICC Champions Trophy

• Qualification: The team earned a well-deserved place by finishing among the top seven teams in the  Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage.
• Performance: The squad looks robust with players like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, as they both bring experience and stability to their team’s performance.

• Prospects: Bangladesh has the potential to cause upsets as it still attempts to clinch its 1st title of the championship.

New Zealand (NZ) – bolsters a strong competing team 

• Qualification: The squad successfully secured their spot by finishing among the top seven teams in the Cricket World Cup 2023  group stage.
• Performance: New Zealand is also known for their consistency and decent performance against stronger teams throughout previous championships. With a balanced team comprising experienced players like Kane Williamson, alongside emerging talents, the squad is ready to take on any challenges.

• Prospects: New Zealand’s lineup is one of the leading contenders for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Afghanistan (AFG) – Widely considered the underdog, but has decent chances

• Qualification: Qualified by finishing among the top seven teams in the Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage, marking their debut in the Champions Trophy.
• Performance: While having an inconsistent track record in previous championships, Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket is noteworthy. Their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, is among the best in the world, and they have the capability to stand their ground against more seasoned teams.

• Prospects: The lineup is known for its ability to upset bigger teams and surprise higher-performing bowling lineups, which makes Afghanistan the dark horse of the Champion Trophy 2025.

Australia (AUS) – Robust and consistent performance

• Qualification: Australia has secured its spot by finishing among the top seven teams in the Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage.
• Performance: Australia has a rich history in ICC tournaments. As a matter of fact, it has never failed to qualify for previous championships with 2 titles under its belt. Despite recent injury setbacks to key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, their depth in talent remains impressive.

• Prospects: High-performance team, with consistency in delivering results in big tournaments, making them a strong contender.

England (ENG) – Has a strong presence in most ICC championships

• Qualification: Earned their place by finishing among the top seven teams in the Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage.
• Performance: As the 2019 champions, England has a dynamic and aggressive playing style. With key players like Joe Root and Harry Brook in form, they will be a tough team to compete against.

• Prospects: The English are known for their aggressive style, while depth in their squad gives them a significant edge in international tournaments.

South Africa (SA) – Aiming to secure its 2nd title in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Qualification: Also among the qualifying nations, it is noteworthy that their team has never failed to participate in the previous championships.
• Performance: South Africa has a history of strong performances in international cricket which helped it achieve the very 1st title of the championship back in 1998. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, they have the potential to make a significant impact in this tournament.

• Prospects: While South Africa has failed to qualify for the knockout stage in previous championships, it is still considered a dark horse with the potential to surprise stronger lineups in the Champion Trophy 2025.

Current Tournament Format:

The tournament’s structure comprises a group stage followed by knockout rounds. In this format, the eight competing teams are divided into two groups of four, with each team playing the others in their group once, totaling 12 matches in the group phase:

Group A	Group B
Bangladesh	Afghanistan
India	Australia
New Zealand	England
Pakistan	South Africa

The top two teams from each of the 2 groups above will advance to the semi-finals, which marks the start of the knockout stage, and eventually leading up to the final showdown. 

Therefore, there will be a total of 15 matches that will be contested over 19 days, offering a compact yet intense schedule that ensures every game is critical. 

Key Players to Watch in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

As the cricketing elite converges for the Champions Trophy, several key players stand out for their potential. These particular names can have game deciding effect on the matchups ahead:

• Babar Azam (Pakistan): Among other performing players, we find Babar Azam, who has an excellent consistency record as a batsman in modern cricket. Babar’s technical prowess and composure under pressure make him a cornerstone of Pakistan’s success. As a seasoned international player, his leadership and batting form will be crucial for the hosts.
• Kane Williamson (New Zealand): This man is best known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, Williamson anchors New Zealand’s batting lineup. His ability to adapt to different conditions and situations makes him indispensable in the upcoming championship.
• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Another big name and a prodigious leg-spinner. Indeed, Rashid’s natural wicket-taking ability and bowling style have been nothing less than instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. His contributions will likely be seen in their Champions Trophy campaign in the next few days.
• Jos Buttler (England): We have another dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman and captain on our hands. And he is none other than Buttler, whose leadership and finishing abilities with the bat are crucial for England’s prospects in this tournament.
• Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): South Africa has its own trump cards in the tournament, as it relies on a fast-bowling spearhead. Indeed, Rabada’s pace and aggression pose a significant threat to opposing batsmen. His knack for taking crucial wickets makes him a key player for South Africa.

Key Fixtures of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to feature several high-profile Cricket matches, each garnering significant anticipation, and high hopes among fans of participating countries. So make sure to save the date for the matches below!

Pakistan vs. New Zealand

• Date: February 19, 2025
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
• Significance: This opening match will set the tone for the Champion Trophy 2025, with the host Pakistan taking on a strong New Zealand side.

Bangladesh vs. India

• Date: February 20, 2025
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• Significance: A crucial and deciding Group A encounter. This match will decide Bangladesh’s fate in the group stage, as it is considered the underdog of the Champion Trophy 2025.

Pakistan vs. India 

• Date: February 23, 2025
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
• Significance: A classic rivalry, this match is expected to be a high-octane encounter with significant implications.

The other group-stage games include: 

• Afghanistan vs South Africa (February, 21st)
• Australia vs. England (February, 22nd)
• Bangladesh vs New Zealand ((February, 24th)
• Australia vs South Africa (February, 25th)
• Afghanistan vs England (February, 26th)
• Pakistan vs Bangladesh (February, 27th)
• Afghanistan vs Australia (February, 28th)
• South Africa vs England (March, 1st)
• New Zealand vs Australia (March, 2st)

Overview of the ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy, formerly known as the ICC Knockout Trophy, was established in 1998 and is considered a key competitive edition for cricketing nations aspiring to participate in the prestigious tournament that mimics the Cricket World Cup.

In terms of its structure, the Champions Trophy has been refined over the years. Initially, it featured a round-robin format:

• This meant that participating teams were divided into groups, and each team played against every other team in its group. 
• To qualify for the knockout stage, the top teams from these groups were selected to advance.
• This culminates in semi-finals and a final to determine the champion. 

This structure ensured a comprehensive assessment of each team’s capabilities, balancing both consistency and high-stakes performances.

The number of participating nations and the total matches played have varied across different editions. For instance:

• The inaugural 1998 – 2000 tournament edition, known as ICC Knockout Trophy, featured 13 teams and was initially co-organized between Bangladesh and Kenya to raise funds for the development of non-test playing countries.
• The tournament has recently come back to life fully reinstated and rebranded, while also retaining the initial tournament structures and mechanics. This edition is hosted by Pakistan.

Evolution and Notable Milestones of the ICC Champions Trophy

Over time, the Champions Trophy Cricket evolved into a more structured competition, adopting round-robin stages followed by knockouts, and eventually settled into a quadrennial schedule. Despite its success, the Champions Trophy faced discontinuation due to scheduling conflicts and the ICC’s strategic focus on other formats, leading to its temporary cessation after the Champions Trophy 2017 edition held in England and Wales.

However, recognizing its unique value, the ICC reinstated the tournament, with the next edition scheduled for 2025.

How to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on STARZPLAY 

Wondering where to watch the  ICC Champions Trophy 2025? 

Don’t sweat it! STARZPLAY has got you covered as the official streaming partner for the Champion Trophy 2025, offering you live coverage with both English and Hindi commentary.

To start watching, simply: 

1. Visit the official STARZPLAY streaming platform. 
2. Then, start by creating your personal account.

3. After filling up the required fields with the necessary information, You will be redirected to the “Subscription Selection Screen” and you will be able to find MAX and Entertainment Subscription Packages-
4. Choose MAX Subscription, then look for choosing your desired plan, If you choose Monthly Plan, then you will need to check in the “ICC Season Pass” option and click at “Subscribe Now”
   1.  OR, you can simply select MAX Annual Plan, and click at “Subscribe Now” Button
5. 
6. You will be taken to the check out Page, and you can choose your MOP and add voucher code if eligible.
7. Once the payment details or voucher details are verified, Your subscription will be activated and you can enjoy streaming ICC Champion’s Trophy.
8. You can watch the content by navigating to event pages like the following.

If you’d rather stream the upcoming matches using your phones, you can follow the same steps above or download the STARZPLAY Mobile app from your Google Play Store (for Android devices) or App Store for (iOS devices)

So, gear up to witness the world’s top cricket teams battle it out for glory, all at your fingertips with STARZPLAY.

FAQs

Where to watch the ICC Champion’s Trophy in UAE?

You can watch ICC CHampion’s Trophy on STARZPLAY, by subscribing to “STARZPLAY MAX” Package.

STARZPLAY MAX – Monthly Plan 

For our subscription, STARZPLAY MAX Monthly, You can add the ICC Champions Trophy as a one-time optional pass for just AED/SAR 99.99.

• For example, if you subscribe to the STARZPLAY MAX Monthly Plan and choose to include the ICC pass, you’ll pay AED/SAR 144.98 for the first month (AED/SAR 44.99 for the Monthly Plan + AED/SAR 99.99 for the ICC pass).
• From the next month onwards, your subscription will continue at the standard rate of AED/SAR 44.99 per month.

STARZPLAY MAX – Annual Plan 

• If you opt for the Yearly Plan, the ICC Champions Trophy pass is included for FREE!

As an existing subscriber of STARZPLAY, How can I watch the ICC Trophy?

* If you are Active on Cricket Subscription, then we have the following options for you;

• Monthly Plan: You can Upgrade to STARZPLAY MAX and choose:
  • Monthly Plan (with a one-time ICC pass)
  • Yearly Plan (ICC pass included for free)
• Yearly Plan: For you, The ICC pass is included for free as an entitlement or voucher.

*If you are Active on STARZPLAY Sports, then we have the following options for you;

• Monthly Plan: You can Upgrade to STARZPLAY MAX and choose:
  • Monthly Plan (with a one-time ICC pass)
  • Yearly Plan (ICC pass included for free)
• Yearly Plan:
  • Subscribed from mid-May 2024 or later: ICC pass is free.
  • Subscribed before mid-May 2024: Upgrade to STARZPLAY MAX to access the ICC pass.

*If you are Active on STARZPLAY Ultimate (Now known as MAX), then we have the following options for you;

• Monthly Plan: Purchase the ICC pass as a one-time season pass.
• Yearly Plan: The ICC pass is included for free as an entitlement or voucher.

What are the best contenders for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

India, England, and Pakistan are the most favored teams to win the current championship.

Where can I follow the ICC Champions Trophy?

You can follow the ICC Champions Trophy on STARZPLAY, the official streaming partner of the event.

In-Link (ICC Champion’s Trophy Page)

Can I stream the ICC Champions for free?

According to the STARZPLAY dashboard, streaming the ICC Champions Trophy is free of charge for members.

What are the participating teams in the ICC Champions Trophy?

A total of 8 countries are participating in the championship, and they are India, Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.