The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to make a highly anticipated return after an eight-year hiatus. Cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for this prestigious tournament, which will bring together eight of the top teams to compete for glory. Pakistan will serve as the host nation, with select matches expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
For fans looking to experience the excitement firsthand, ES Sport is offering exclusive hospitality packages for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match, ensuring an unforgettable experience with premium seating and world-class amenities.
Tournament Format
The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups of four, with each team playing the others in their group once. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, leading to an intense battle for a spot in the final. Given the high stakes and recent form of teams, the tournament is expected to be fiercely competitive.
Group A
India
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Squad: Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
India enters the tournament with a formidable lineup, boasting a blend of experience and youthful energy. However, the team faces a significant setback with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a lower back injury. Harshit Rana has been called up as his replacement, adding depth to the pace attack alongside Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. With Virat Kohli anchoring the middle order and Shubman Gill in sublime form, India will be a force to reckon with.
Pakistan
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Squad: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
As the host nation and defending champions, Pakistan is under the spotlight. With Mohammad Rizwan leading the side and Babar Azam as the batting mainstay, their top order remains one of the best in the world. Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, is expected to thrive in home conditions, giving them a significant edge.
Bangladesh
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Squad: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
Bangladesh has put together a squad combining seasoned players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah with young talents such as Towhid Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan. Their spin department, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will play a key role in subcontinental conditions.
New Zealand
- Captain: Mitchell Santner
- Squad: Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
New Zealand is known for its consistency in ICC tournaments, and their squad for the Champions Trophy reflects the same philosophy. Kane Williamson’s return to the team is a major boost, while the bowling attack, led by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, looks promising. With young all-rounders like Rachin Ravindra rising through the ranks, the Kiwis are expected to be strong contenders.
Group B
Australia
- Captain: Steve Smith
- Squad: Sean Abbott, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Australia faces some challenges with Mitchell Starc opting out due to personal reasons and injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. However, Steve Smith’s leadership and experienced players like Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell will ensure they remain competitive. Young talents such as Tanveer Sangha and Spencer Johnson add fresh energy to the squad.
England
- Captain: Jos Buttler
- Squad: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Mark Wood.
England has made a crucial change, bringing in Tom Banton as a replacement for the injured Jacob Bethell. Led by the dynamic Jos Buttler, England’s squad is packed with explosive batsmen, including Harry Brook and Joe Root, while their pace attack features Mark Wood and the returning Jofra Archer. Adil Rashid’s leg-spin will also be crucial in slow, turning conditions.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying tournament, with each team bringing a unique mix of experience and youth. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand from Group A, along with Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan from Group B, will battle for supremacy. With cricket’s finest set to clash, the countdown to the Champions Trophy has truly begun!
For fans eager to witness the historic India vs Pakistan match, ES Sport’s exclusive hospitality packages provide the ultimate match-day experience, ensuring top-tier seating, luxury amenities, and unmatched access to cricket’s biggest rivalry.
