Champions Trophy begins today: 8 things to know—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's potential last dance to group stage dynamics

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is back after an eight-year break! With defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opener, this thrilling tournament is set to bring top-class cricket action. Featuring eight teams, including newcomers Afghanistan, the event promises high drama, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma potentially playing their final ODI tournament. Get ready for intense group stage matches, standout performances, and unforgettable moments as cricket’s finest teams battle for the ultimate trophy! Stay tuned for all the excitement!

2/19/20252 min read

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 8 Things You Need to Know

The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy is finally back after an eight-year hiatus! The tournament, which was last held in 2017, kicks off today with defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting competition:

Return After Eight Years: Initially scrapped in 2017, the ICC Champions Trophy is making a glorious comeback in 2025, much to the delight of cricket fans worldwide. Originally known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy, it faced cancellation after the 2017 edition but was revived for this year’s tournament.
Defending Champions – Pakistan: Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, enters the tournament as the defending champions. Their 2017 victory, where they defeated India by 180 runs in the final, remains fresh in the minds of fans. However, their squad has evolved, with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman being the only constants.
First Big ICC Tournament in Pakistan Since 1996: Pakistan was named the host of this year's Champions Trophy, marking the first global ICC event in the country since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team. This also signals a return of international tournaments to Pakistan, with the last one being the 1996 World Cup.
Pakistan Has a Co-Host: Due to political tensions, India’s team will not travel to Pakistan, and the UAE will host all of India’s matches. The ICC has adopted a hybrid model, where teams will play their matches in neutral venues until 2027.
Afghanistan’s First Champions Trophy Appearance: For the first time in history, Afghanistan has qualified for the Champions Trophy after finishing 6th in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings. They’ve made a strong statement in international cricket, marking their debut in this prestigious tournament.
Only Three Group Matches Per Team: The tournament format remains unchanged from 2006, with eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team plays three group matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. The final will determine the ultimate winner.
Possibly the Last Tournament for Kohli and Rohit: There’s speculation that this may be Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s final Champions Trophy. With emerging young talents and the duo’s dwindling form, fans are wondering if this is the last dance for these cricket legends. A strong showing in this tournament would be the perfect send-off for the senior batsmen.
Injuries and Missing Stars: Several key players will miss the 2025 Champions Trophy due to injuries. India faces a major blow with Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, while Australia is hit hardest, with five key players, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, ruled out.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with high stakes and some of the world’s best cricketing talent on display. Don't miss the action and follow your favorite teams as they vie for glory!