2025 is going to be one of the most exciting years in cricket history. Because the Champions Trophy has returned again to the cricket world. The last time it was played was in 2017 in India. Pakistan won the title by defeating defending champions India into finals under Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy. In 2025 Pakistan is going to host the tournament. But, this got lots of controversies before it started. So, this post is going to get all the information about this Trophy current updates. We’ll go through all of the controversies and India’s stand about their participation in this Trophy.
ICC Champions Trophy
The Trophy was started in 1998 and South Africa won the first edition of the tournament. 2025 will be the 9th edition of this tournament. ICC called off ‘Champions Trophy’ in 2016. Because they believed that there should be only one mega event in cricket. So, they want to focus only on the World Cup. But, In November of 2021 they confirmed the return of the Trophy in 2025. Matches will be played in the grounds of Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
Format
ICC Champions Trophy is played in both formats ODI and T20i. And in the upcoming edition the tournament will be played in ODI.
Qualification
Total 8 teams qualified for the upcoming Trophy in 2025. Top 8 teams in ODI format have been selected for the tournament. In which Afghanistan was the last team to qualify by their performance in World Cup 2023. And West Indies and Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
‘Ramiz Raja’ got approval by Pakistan’s government to build a new high-tech stadium in Islamabad for the upcoming ICC event. For Pakistan it’s a big event for cricket in the country. For many years they have been waiting to bring back the international events and bilateral series to Pakistan but failed. But, this is the opportunity for Pakistan to rebuild their reputation by successfully hosting ICC Championship 2025.
Teams To Play
| Group A |
| Bangladesh |
| New Zealand |
| India |
| Pakistan |
| Group B |
| England |
| Australia |
| Afghanistan |
| South Africa |
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
ICC didn’t publish all the details about the fixtures in the Champions Trophy. ICC only published the semi-finals and final date and venue. The first semi-final will be on 5 March 2025 in ‘National Stadium’ in Karachi.
The second semi-final will be at ‘Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium’ on 6 March 2025.
The final will be on 9 March 2025 at ‘Gaddafi Stadium of Lahore.
Controversies Related To Champions Trophy 2025
In 2021 when ICC announced the return of the Trophy 2025 (Pakistan). This sparked the controversy just after the announcement. In the same year in September England canceled their tour of Pakistan and ‘Security Concern’ was the reason and following that New Zealand also canceled their upcoming tour of Pakistan. This led to many questions on ICC’s decision. After the World Cup 2023 India unofficially refused to go to Pakistan to play the Trophy which again fired up the controversy and debates across the cricketing world.
India’s Participation in 2025 Edition
However, India haven’t officially confirmed anything about their participation in Champions Trophy 2025. But, due to political tension between India and Pakistan. The BCCI is likely to not participate in the Trophy. There have been many rumors about the participation of India in the Trophy but nothing has been confirmed by the BCCI. Many fans are predicting that India Vs Pakistan matches can be held at alternative venues like- ‘Sharjah Stadium’ in Dubai and more.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Reaction On India’s Participation
PCB gave lots of statements about India’s Participation in the 2025 edition of Champions Trophy. They said India should come to Pakistan as the Pakistani cricket team visited India for the ODI World cup 2023. They added that politics should not come in the way of sports. Whatever disputes India and Pakistan have, Should be solved diplomatically.
Winners Of Champions Trophy Through years
We have mentioned all the winners of the Champions Trophy from 1998 in table.
| Year | Winners | Hosting Country |
| 1998 | South Africa | (Bangladesh) |
| 2000 | New Zealand | (Kenya) |
| 2002 | India & Sri Lanka shared the Title | (Sri Lanka) |
| 2004 | West Indies | (England) |
| 2006 | Australia | (India) |
| 2009 | Australia | (South Africa) |
| 2013 | India | (England & Wales) |
| 2017 | Pakistan | (England & Wales) |
| 2025 | (Pakistan) |
Some Amazing Facts
- This Trophy firstly introduced to increase the popularity of cricket world wide and raise funds for the development of cricket in countries like- Bangladesh, Kenya and more. But, after it got so much popularity ICC included it in primary ICC events.
- Bangladesh didn’t play in the ICC Champions Trophy. Even, they were the hosts of the event.
- The Trophy is also popular for the term “Mini World Cup”.
- In 2002 when Sri Lanka hosted the Trophy. India and Sri Lanka shared the title after tie in the final.
Conclusion
If we sum up all of the news and latest updates about the Champions Trophy. There is not a clear picture about its venues and fixtures. And the most important question still remains the same. Will the Indian Team go to Pakistan to play the Trophy? Many rumors indicated the possibility of alternate venues for India’s matches. But, none of them have been confirmed by ICC. And chances of shifting India’s matches to alternate venues are quite low. Whereas BCCI is unlikely to allow the Indian team to play the Trophy in Pakistan. We’ll get a clearer picture in 2025 when ICC officials announce all the details about the tournament. So, for now, saying anything for sure is quite difficult.
FAQ
ICC Champions Trophy was started in 1998 in Bangladesh.
Pakistan is the defending champion in the upcoming Trophy.
There is no official statement of BCCI on India’s Participation in Champions Trophy 2025. But, as per experts predictions, India will not go to Pakistan for the tournament.
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