As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Karachi on Wednesday, cricket enthusiasts around the globe will hold their breath in anticipation. The ICC Champions Trophy makes its return after an eight-year hiatus, bringing together the sport’s top eight teams in a three-week cricketing carnival.
This time, the stakes are even higher — Pakistan will host an elite ICC competition for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup. A nation that has long yearned to host premier ICC events will finally get its moment in the spotlight. There is an important caveat though – India’s matches are going to be played in Dubai, UAE, which has been made an additional venue besides Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. The hybrid model introduced due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan adds complexity to the whole affair.
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Pakistan, incidentally, are the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the previous edition in 2017. The tournament features eight teams – divided into two groups of four – with Group A comprising Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B constitutes Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan and England.
The tournament kicks off with Pakistan and New Zealand clashing at Karachi’s National Stadium on Wednesday. Notably, two former champions, Sri Lanka and West Indies, failed to qualify. This edition, interestingly, also marks Afghanistan’s first appearance in the Champions Trophy.
Tough format
The format adds another layer of intrigue. With just three group games per team, there’s no time to ease into the competition. Every match carries massive significance, and net run-rate could prove crucial.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on March 4 and 5. The final is scheduled for March 9 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium but may shift to Dubai if India qualify.
What makes the Champions Trophy particularly special is its unforgiving nature. Unlike the ODI World Cup, where teams can recover from early setbacks, here every match feels like a knockout game. One rain-affected match, one brilliant individual performance or one crucial toss decision could determine a team’s fate. It’s this knife-edge nature that makes every match compelling viewing.
Conditions are key
The conditions in Pakistan and UAE add another layer of intrigue to the tournament. February temperatures should be relatively comfortable but evening dew could potentially impact day-night encounters. The pitches in both Pakistan and UAE are traditionally known for their batting-friendly nature, but spinners are likely to get assistance too. Teams will need to be tactically flexible, ready to adapt their strategies as conditions evolve.
Rivalry rekindled
There are rivalries, and then there is the India vs Pakistan clash, cricket’s marquee contest. Set to take place in Dubai due to political considerations, this clash on February 23 remains the most anticipated fixture of the tournament.
The stakes are high for both the teams as fans from both the sides are expected to flock to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While it’s going to be yet another battle between India’s batting and Pakistan’s bowling, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah is going to play a crucial factor in which way the eventual result pans out.
Last of ‘RoKo’ in ODIs?
All eyes will be on two of cricket’s biggest stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With both players nearing the twilight of their careers, this tournament may very well mark their last appearance together on the ODI stage.
The Champions Trophy presents a golden opportunity for the duo to sign off in style. Winning an ICC ODI trophy has been a long-cherished dream for both, given India’s near misses in the last decade. A title triumph would not only add another feather to their cap but also serve as the perfect farewell to a format they have dominated for so long.
Long list of absentees
Australia are perhaps the most affected team, missing their entire frontline pace attack. Captain Pat Cummins is sidelined with an ankle injury while Josh Hazlewood is managing ongoing hip issues. Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament for personal reasons and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is out due to a lower-back injury. The sudden retirement of Marcus Stoinis has further depleted their squad.
India will also feel the absence of star bowler Bumrah, who is recovering from a lower back injury.
South Africa face similar woes, with key pacers like Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee ruled out due to injuries. New Zealand pacers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears also have been ruled out. Other teams like Pakistan, England and Afghanistan are not immune to these injury woes either.
The cumulative effect of these injuries could potentially dampen the spirit of the tournament.
Do ODIs have a future?
The tournament will also serve as a fascinating barometer of where ODI cricket stands in 2025. In an era increasingly dominated by T20 cricket and with Test cricket maintaining its traditional appeal, what the 50-over format brings to the plate would be interesting to see.
Several tactical trends are likely to emerge during the tournament. The middle overs, often considered the less dramatic phase of ODI cricket, might prove decisive.
The contenders
Predicting a winner is not easy. However, home advantage makes Pakistan a strong contender, while Australia’s penchant for ICC trophies means they can never be ignored.
India and South Africa’s depth in all departments make both teams formidable. Afghanistan have shed their underdogs label and held their own in the last two ICC events. With spin likely to play an important role, Afghanistan are surely the dark horses for a semifinal spot
