Summary
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was the ninth edition of the highly anticipated One Day International (ODI) tournament conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, the tournament marked a significant return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, as it was last played in 2017. The competition was co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with matches split across iconic venues in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This dual-hosting arrangement allowed for broader fan engagement and ensured seamless scheduling.
Eight teams qualified based on ICC ODI rankings, and the tournament format remained consistent with past editions, featuring a group stage followed by knockout rounds. India emerged as the champions, claiming their third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final held in Dubai. The final match saw standout performances from Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, while New Zealand fought valiantly with contributions from Kane Williamson and Trent Boult.
The tournament was remarkable not just for the on-field action but also for its off-field impact. With a total of 368 billion global viewing minutes, it became the most-watched Champions Trophy in history. The India vs Pakistan group-stage match broke previous records for peak concurrent viewership. From the electrifying atmosphere in Lahore to the high-stakes final in Dubai, the 2025 edition set new benchmarks for fan engagement, digital streaming, and social media traction.
The tournament played a crucial role in revitalizing interest in the 50-over format, especially ahead of the World Test Championship Final and T20 World Cup 2026. It also re-established Pakistan as a viable host for major international cricket events and underscored India’s continued dominance in limited-overs cricket.
Background
The ICC Champions Trophy has historically served as a secondary ODI tournament to the Cricket World Cup, featuring the top teams in the world. First held in 1998, it evolved over time into a premier event with high stakes and global appeal. The 2017 edition, hosted by England and won by Pakistan, was believed to be the last due to ICC’s restructuring of global events. However, growing demand for top-tier ODI competitions led to its reinstatement.
The gap between the 2017 and 2025 editions was filled with major ICC tournaments, including two World Cups and several T20 World Cups. By 2023, the ICC recognized a need to maintain balance between formats, particularly as T20 cricket dominated schedules and media space. Reviving the Champions Trophy aligned with the strategic goal of preserving the appeal of the 50-over game.
Pakistan’s selection as the primary host was both symbolic and strategic. Having successfully hosted PSL matches and bilateral series, the PCB had shown its ability to deliver secure, fan-friendly events. To maximize global appeal and provide backup options in case of political or weather challenges, the UAE was chosen as co-host. This hybrid model ensured the tournament’s success, combining Pakistan’s passionate fan base with the UAE’s reliable infrastructure.
The ICC’s broader strategy included rotating hosts to grow the game globally and tapping into South Asian markets, which contribute the highest cricket viewership. The decision to hold the tournament in 2025 also ensured a steady stream of global cricket events between World Cups. Ultimately, the Champions Trophy’s return was a product of fan demand, commercial interest, and the ICC’s goal of maintaining format diversity.
Format
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy followed a streamlined and familiar structure: two groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals, and winners advancing to the final. This ensured that every match had high stakes, reducing the margin for error for all participating teams. The format was praised for its simplicity and competitive balance.
Each team played three group-stage matches, and the points system was straightforward: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie or no result, and 0 for a loss. In the case of teams finishing level on points, the net run rate was used as a tie-breaker. This incentivized teams to not only win but do so decisively, adding strategic depth to each encounter.
The venues were carefully chosen to maximize crowd attendance and ensure fair conditions. Group stage matches were split between Pakistan (Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi) and the UAE (Dubai, Sharjah). Pakistan hosted Group A, while Group B matches were played in the UAE. This decision helped avoid logistical congestion and allowed local fans to witness multiple games live.
The semi-finals and final were scheduled in the UAE to ensure optimal broadcasting conditions and accommodate large international media coverage. Dubai and Sharjah provided world-class facilities and strong security arrangements. Overall, the format achieved its goal: creating a short, impactful tournament where every match was meaningful and every team had a fair shot at glory.
Participating Teams
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy featured eight of the world’s top ODI teams, qualified based on ICC ODI rankings. Each team brought a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new talents, making the tournament highly competitive.
India: As one of the tournament favorites, India entered the competition with a balanced squad led by Rohit Sharma. With a strong top order, including Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, and a lethal bowling lineup, India aimed to reclaim the trophy after last winning it in 2013.
Pakistan: Co-hosts Pakistan were backed by passionate home support. Led by Babar Azam, the team showcased young pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah and experienced campaigners such as Mohammad Rizwan.
New Zealand: Known for their consistency in ICC events, New Zealand qualified smoothly. Under Kane Williamson’s captaincy, they combined technical batting and disciplined bowling. Their calm, methodical cricket took them all the way to the final.
Australia: The five-time World Cup champions brought an aggressive brand of cricket under Pat Cummins. With players like David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa, they remained a major threat in all conditions.
England: England, the 2019 World Cup winners, relied on power hitters and all-rounders such as Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Sam Curran. Their aggressive white-ball approach was evident throughout the group stage.
South Africa: Always strong contenders, the Proteas blended pace and spin with powerful batting. Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada were among the key players for the team.
Bangladesh: Under Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh continued their steady rise in world cricket. Talented youngsters supported their seasoned core, helping them compete closely in the group stage.
Afghanistan: Making their first Champions Trophy appearance, Afghanistan impressed with their spinners, especially Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. They showed fight and resilience against higher-ranked sides.
Squads
Each team announced a 15-player squad ahead of the tournament. These selections reflected tactical plans and team balance, with experienced stars and emerging players included.
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Haris, Naseem Shah.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne.
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Matt Short.
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Reece Topley, Adil Rashid, Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, Phil Salt.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Litton Das, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Afif Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Towhid Hridoy.
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Qais Ahmad.
Injury replacements were minimal due to excellent fitness preparation. Several teams included versatile all-rounders and rising stars, adding balance and excitement to each squad.
5. Venues
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was played across five prominent cricket venues in Pakistan and the UAE. This joint hosting arrangement ensured smooth operations, political stability, and access to world-class facilities. Each stadium contributed uniquely to the tournament’s energy, from the home advantage in Pakistan to the neutral conditions in the UAE.
Lahore – Gaddafi Stadium: Located in Lahore, Pakistan’s iconic cricket venue hosted the opening ceremony and several Group A matches. With a seating capacity of over 27,000, the stadium was filled with enthusiastic local supporters. Matches under lights created a festival-like atmosphere, with India vs Pakistan being the showpiece event.
Karachi – National Stadium: Karachi’s National Stadium, holding over 34,000 spectators, was another key venue for Group A. Known for its fast pitch and coastal humidity, it produced thrilling high-scoring games. Security was tight, and logistics were managed exceptionally well.
Rawalpindi – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: With a capacity of 18,000, Rawalpindi offered a more intimate setting. The pitch supported seam and swing, offering variety compared to the other flat decks. Several close finishes made this ground memorable.
Dubai – Dubai International Stadium: This state-of-the-art facility served as the heart of the UAE leg of the tournament. It hosted the semi-finals and final. With a 25,000-seat capacity and excellent lighting, it was ideal for high-profile knockout games. Neutral fans, expats, and tourists packed the venue.
Sharjah – Sharjah Cricket Stadium: The historic Sharjah Stadium, a fan-favorite for its ODI legacy, hosted Group B matches. Though smaller in size (17,000), it made up for it with vibrant crowds and flat pitches that favored aggressive batting. Night games were especially captivating.
Together, these venues highlighted cricket’s geographic diversity and cultural resonance in South Asia and the Middle East. Matches proceeded smoothly with no major logistical issues.
Group Stage
The group stage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy featured high-quality contests and unpredictable results. Divided into Group A and Group B, each team played three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Group A: India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh Group B: New Zealand, Australia, England, Afghanistan
Key Matches:
- India vs Pakistan (Lahore): The marquee match of the group stage, watched by over 300 million viewers globally. India posted 295/6, with Kohli scoring 87. Pakistan fell short by 24 runs despite Rizwan’s 65.
- South Africa vs Bangladesh: A close encounter in Karachi where Bangladesh chased 280 with 2 balls remaining, thanks to Shakib’s 75*
- New Zealand vs Australia: Played in Sharjah, this high-octane clash saw New Zealand successfully defend 260 with Boult taking 4 wickets.
Points Table – Group A:
- India – 3 wins
- Pakistan – 2 wins
- Bangladesh – 1 win
- South Africa – 0 wins
Points Table – Group B:
- New Zealand – 3 wins
- Australia – 2 wins
- England – 1 win
- Afghanistan – 0 wins
India and Pakistan advanced from Group A, while New Zealand and Australia qualified from Group B. The stage was set for a thrilling knockout round featuring top-tier teams with rich ICC histories.
Knockout Stage
The knockout stage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy delivered thrilling, high-pressure cricket. It included two semi-finals and a dramatic final between India and New Zealand.
Semi-final 1: India vs Australia (Dubai) India won the toss and chose to bat first. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laid a solid foundation, followed by a quickfire 65 from Suryakumar Yadav. India posted 292/7. Australia’s chase faltered after an early collapse. Despite Glenn Maxwell’s late resistance (47 off 28), Bumrah’s 4-wicket haul sealed India’s place in the final by 34 runs.
Semi-final 2: New Zealand vs Pakistan (Sharjah) New Zealand batted first and scored 268, thanks to Williamson’s composed 73. Pakistan’s top order collapsed under Ferguson and Southee’s bowling. A late push by Iftikhar Ahmed wasn’t enough. New Zealand won by 19 runs to book a final berth.
Final: India vs New Zealand (Dubai) In the final, India won the toss and opted to bat. Kohli (92) and Jadeja (35*) helped set a target of 281. In reply, New Zealand kept pace till the 40th over, but Bumrah and Siraj tightened the screws. New Zealand ended on 267/9.
Scorecard Summary:
- India: 281/8 (Kohli 92, Southee 3/54)
- New Zealand: 267/9 (Williamson 61, Bumrah 3/42)
India won by 14 runs. Kohli was named Player of the Match. Rohit Sharma lifted his first ICC trophy as captain.
8. Statistics
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy produced several remarkable individual and team statistics, showcasing exceptional talent and consistency across all departments of the game. With close encounters, big chases, and powerful performances, the tournament lived up to expectations.
Top Run Scorers:
- Virat Kohli (India) – 389 runs in 5 matches
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 347 runs in 5 matches
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 312 runs in 4 matches
- David Warner (Australia) – 288 runs in 4 matches
- Joe Root (England) – 256 runs in 3 matches
Top Wicket Takers:
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 13 wickets
- Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 12 wickets
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – 11 wickets
- Pat Cummins (Australia) – 9 wickets
- Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh) – 8 wickets
Best Bowling Figures in a Match:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 5/32 vs Australia (Semi-final)
Most Sixes:
- Glenn Maxwell – 17
- Suryakumar Yadav – 14
- Mohammad Rizwan – 12
Most Catches (Non-Wicketkeeper):
- Ravindra Jadeja – 7 catches
Fastest Fifty:
- Glenn Maxwell – 19 balls vs England
Player of the Tournament:
- Virat Kohli (India)
These stats highlighted the experience of senior players and the impact of emerging talent. The bowling figures also reinforced how critical pace and accuracy were, especially in the UAE conditions.
Broadcasting and Viewership
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy shattered multiple viewership records, making it the most-watched edition in the tournament’s history. With the cricket fanbase expanding globally, broadcasters and streaming services saw unprecedented numbers.
Broadcast Rights:
- Star Sports (India and South Asia)
- Sky Sports (UK)
- Willow TV (USA)
- SuperSport (South Africa)
- PTV Sports and Ten Sports (Pakistan)
Streaming Platforms:
- Disney+ Hotstar
- JioCinema
- ICC.tv (Global audiences)
Viewership Milestones:
- Total viewing time: Over 368 billion minutes
- India vs Pakistan match: 85 million peak concurrent viewers across platforms
- Final match: Watched live by 68 million people
The India vs Pakistan game broke records for the most live-streamed sporting event in South Asian history. Social media engagement across YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram also peaked during key moments like Kohli’s knock in the final and the tight finishes.
High-definition broadcasts, player mic-ups, drone views, and interactive score overlays enriched the viewer experience. The ICC’s digital strategy and regional commentary feeds played a key role in increasing accessibility.
Controversies and Highlights
Despite the successful execution of the tournament, a few moments stirred debates and headlines. From tight DRS calls to weather delays, the Champions Trophy had its share of drama.
Controversial Moments:
- India vs Pakistan Umpiring Call: During the high-stakes group match, a close LBW decision against Babar Azam drew heavy debate. While DRS upheld the on-field call, fans and analysts questioned ball-tracking accuracy.
- Weather in Karachi: A brief rain delay during the South Africa vs Bangladesh match led to a DLS finish. The shortened game changed momentum and was crucial for Bangladesh’s semi-final hopes.
- Sharjah Pitch Criticism: Some captains raised concerns about the Sharjah surface, describing it as two-paced and inconsistent.
Viral Moments:
- Kohli’s salute to the crowd after his 92 in the final became the most-shared photo on ICC’s Instagram.
- Rohit Sharma’s trophy celebration with his daughter became an emotional highlight.
- Maxwell’s one-handed six in the Australia vs England game lit up social media.
Fan Engagement: The fan parks in Lahore, Dubai, and Dhaka drew massive crowds. The ICC’s “Fan of the Match” campaign rewarded fan creativity, from painted faces to stadium chants.
Overall, these moments added color and narrative to the tournament, keeping the audience engaged on and off the field.
11. Impact and Legacy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy left a lasting mark on the cricketing world. For India, the tournament marked a significant achievement—winning their third Champions Trophy title and doing so with a balanced team that combined experience with emerging stars.
India’s Triumph: Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s consistent performances throughout the tournament reaffirmed their dominance in white-ball cricket. Virat Kohli’s batting masterclass and Bumrah’s precise bowling were key contributors. The win added to Rohit’s legacy as one of India’s most successful limited-overs captains.
Pakistan’s Hosting Reputation: Pakistan, as a co-host, successfully conducted high-profile matches in Karachi and Lahore, reinforcing its return as a major international cricket venue. Security arrangements, crowd management, and hospitality were appreciated by visiting teams and global broadcasters alike.
Rise of New Stars: The tournament was also a breakthrough platform for several young talents. Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, Bangladesh’s top-order batter Towhid Hridoy, and South Africa’s fast bowler Gerald Coetzee impressed audiences and selectors worldwide.
Strategic Shifts: Teams like England and Australia experimented with aggressive powerplay strategies and flexible batting orders. These tactics are expected to influence the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026.
Cultural Impact: The Champions Trophy 2025 brought massive social media buzz, merchandise sales, and fan engagement, especially in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Stadium attendances were high, and fan zones contributed to the festive environment.
Long-Term Influence: This edition rejuvenated interest in the 50-over format and may influence how future ICC tournaments are scheduled. The blend of competitive cricket and smooth logistics positioned the tournament as a modern benchmark for multi-nation events.
See Also
- ICC Champions Trophy
- 2017 ICC Champions Trophy
- 2023 Cricket World Cup
- India–Pakistan cricket rivalry
- List of ICC events
