ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, All Teams & Players to Watch

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: Team Form Guide & Key Players

Which Teams Are Ready to Shine at CT 2025?

With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, teams are fine-tuning their form and strategies ahead of the highly anticipated tournament in Pakistan and the UAE. As the top eight ODI teams gear up for this high-stakes competition, recent performances provide a glimpse into their readiness.

Let’s take a closer look at how the contenders are shaping up before the February 19 kickoff.

New Zealand in Red-Hot Form After Tri-Series Victory

NZ enter the Champions Trophy with momentum, having dominated the Tri-Nation Series against PAK and SA. They won all their matches, including a clinical final victory over PAK.

• Kane Williamson has been in sublime touch, smashing a century in a thrilling chase against SA, following a fifty in the opener against PAK.
• Glenn Phillips was another standout, hammering an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls.
• Daryl Mitchell chipped in with crucial half-centuries, ensuring NZ’s batting unit looks in top shape.

India Dominates England in ODI Series

Defending T20 world champions IND showed their ODI dominance with a 3-0 clean sweep over ENG after clinching the T20I series 4-1.

• Shubman Gill was the star, amassing 259 runs at an average of 86.33, including a century in the third ODI.
• Shreyas Iyer played some match-defining knocks, while Rohit Sharma’s ton in the second ODI was arguably the highlight of the series.
• Ravindra Jadeja led the bowling attack, picking up six wickets at an economy of just 3.21, second only to Adil Rashid’s seven scalps.

IND’s strong all-round performances suggest they are serious contenders heading into CT 2025.

Pakistan’s Mixed Run in the Tri-Series

Hosts PAK had an up-and-down Tri-Series campaign, winning against SA but falling short against NZ in the final.

• Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha impressed with centuries in PAK’s win over SA.
• PAK’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, remains their biggest strength as they prepare to defend their 2017 Champions Trophy title.

South Africa Show Promise Despite Final Loss

Despite losing the Tri-Series final, SA had some bright spots heading into CT 2025.

• Matthew Breetzke, making his international debut, smashed 150 & 83, showcasing his immense potential.
• Their bowling unit, led by Kagiso Rabada, will be key in Pakistan and UAE conditions.

SA will look to build on their recent form as they aim for a deep run in CT 2025.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh & Australia in Focus

• AFG enter the tournament in solid form, having defeated BAN 2-1 in Sharjah and winning a series in Zimbabwe in December.
• BAN, however, struggled in their last two ODI series, losing 2-1 to AFG and suffering a 3-0 whitewash against WI.
• AUS, missing key players in their CT 2025 squad, fell 2-0 to SL, with bowlers Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis impressing despite the losses.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

The complete schedule for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is as follows:

• 19 Feb: Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi
• 20 Feb: Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• 21 Feb: Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi
• 22 Feb: Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 23 Feb: Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• 24 Feb: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• 25 Feb: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• 26 Feb: Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 27 Feb: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• 28 Feb: Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 1 Mar: South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi
• 2 Mar: New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• 4 Mar: Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium*
• 5 Mar: Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**
• 9 Mar: Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

Over 19 days, these teams will battle it out for the coveted white jackets, with each match carrying immense weight as they aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages. The tournament includes two semi-finals, scheduled for March 4 and 5, and a grand finale on March 9. If India qualifies for the final, it will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, ensuring a neutral venue.