The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to make a grand return in 2025, marking its first appearance since 2017. This prestigious One Day International (ODI) tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with Pakistan as the primary host nation. However, due to geopolitical tensions, all matches involving India will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tournament Historical Overview

The ICC Champions Trophy started in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut, the tournament was initially conceived to raise funds for the development of cricket in non-Test-playing nations. The inaugural event took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with South Africa emerging as the winner. Over the years, the tournament evolved, adopting the name "Champions Trophy" in 2002 and becoming a marquee ICC event in the cricketing calendar. Let's take a look at the tournament's winners over the past years:

1998 (Bangladesh): South Africa
2000 (Kenya): New Zealand
2002 (Sri Lanka): India and Sri Lanka (joint winners due to a washed-out final)
2004 (England): West Indies
2006 (India): Australia
2009 (South Africa): Australia
2013 (England and Wales): India
2017 (England and Wales): Pakistan

Australia and India hold the distinction of being the most successful teams in the tournament's history, clinching the title twice. India were the joint winners in 2002 after the final against Sri Lanka was washed out due to rain, while winning for the second time in 2013. Australia won in two successive editions (2006, 2009).

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tournament format and teams

The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature the top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings, divided into two groups:

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

Each team will play the others in their group once, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The winners of the semifinals will then compete in the final on March 9.

Match Venues:

The ICC Champions Trophy started in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut, the tournament was initially conceived to raise funds for the development of cricket in non-Test-playing nations. The inaugural event took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with South Africa emerging as the winner. Over the years, the tournament evolved, adopting the name "Champions Trophy" in 2002 and becoming a marquee ICC event in the cricketing calendar.

Road to the 2025 edition

The journey to the 2025 Champions Trophy has been eventful. The tournament was last held in 2017, with Pakistan securing their maiden title by defeating India in a memorable final. The subsequent editions faced scheduling challenges, leading to an eight-year hiatus.

The decision to award hosting rights to Pakistan for the 2025 edition is significant, marking the country's first major ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup.

Relocation of India's matches

A notable development leading up to the tournament was the relocation of India's matches to Dubai. Citing long standing political tensions and security concerns, the Indian government declined to permit the national team to travel to Pakistan. In response, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that all fixtures involving India would be held in Dubai. Additionally, as part of a reciprocal agreement, Pakistan will play its matches in a neutral venue when India hosts tournaments in the future.

What to expect

As the tournament approaches, excitement is building among cricket fans worldwide.

Pakistan's homecoming: Hosting a major ICC event after nearly three decades, Pakistan will be eager to showcase its hospitality and cricketing passion. Moreover, the home advantage could play a crucial role in their campaign.

India-Pakistan Rivalry: One of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket delivered an unforgettable spectacle on Sunday Feb 23rd 2025 in Dubai. India triumphed over Pakistan by six wickets, with just 45 balls remaining, in a match that added another thrilling chapter to this historic rivalry. The highlight of the encounter was Virat Kohli's performance—Kohli scored his 51st century and broke legendary Sachin Tendulkars records by becoming the fastest player to reach 14,000 career ODI runs.

Emergence of Afghanistan: Making their debut in the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been meteoric. Their participation adds a new dimension to the tournament, and they will be keen to make a lasting impression.