Here's everything you need to know about ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with matches taking place in Pakistan and the UAE. This will be the first edition of the tournament since 2017, when Pakistan won the title for the first time.  

Eight top ODI teams will compete in the ninth edition of the tournament. Defending champions Pakistan will host the event, while India will play all their matches in Dubai.  

The opening match will see Pakistan face New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.  

Official Song: 'Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke'  
The tournament’s official song, titled Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke, features Atif Aslam and is now available for fans to enjoy.  

Where to Watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025  
Here is the list of broadcasters and streaming platforms for different countries:  

- India: JioStar (TV: Star & Network 18, Streaming: Jio Hotstar)  
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Ten Sports (Streaming: Myco, Tamasha app)  
- UAE & MENA: CricLife Max, CricLife Max2 (Streaming: STARZPLAY)  
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action (Streaming: SkyGO, NOW, Sky Sports App)  
- USA & Canada: WillowTV (Streaming: Willow by Cricbuzz, Hindi coverage available)  
- Caribbean: ESPNCaribbean (Streaming: ESPN Play Caribbean app)  
- Australia: PrimeVideo (Hindi coverage available)  
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ (Streaming: Now, SkyGo app)  
- South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (Streaming: SuperSport App)  
- Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports (Streaming: Toffee app)  
- Afghanistan: ATN  
- Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1), Streaming via Sirasa  

How Teams Qualified  
Unlike previous editions where the top-eight ODI teams qualified directly, the 2025 edition was based on the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup rankings. The top eight teams, including hosts Pakistan, secured their spots.  

Groups for Champions Trophy 2025  
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand  
- Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa  

Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.  

Afghanistan's Historic Debut  
Afghanistan has qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, they earned their spot after their strong performance in the 2023 World Cup, where they defeated teams like Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka.  

Afghanistan also reached the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, marking their best-ever performance in an ICC tournament.  

Tournament Format  
The format remains unchanged since 2006. The eight teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team plays three group-stage matches. The top two from each group will move on to the semi-finals, and the winners will compete in the final.  

Prize Money  
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has a total prize pool of $6.9 million, which is 53% higher than the 2017 edition.  

- Winner: $2.24 million  
- Runner-up: $1.12 million  
- Losing semi-finalists: $560,000 each  

Key Dates and Matches  
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand – February 19, Karachi  
- India’s First Match: India vs Bangladesh – February 20, Dubai  
- Big Clash: Pakistan vs India – February 23, Dubai  
- Australia vs England Rivalry: February 24, Lahore  
- Semi-Finals: March 4 (Dubai) & March 5 (Lahore)  
- Final: March 9, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (If India qualifies, the final will be in Dubai)  

Champions Trophy History  
The last ICC Champions Trophy was held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs in the final at The Oval, London. Fakhar Zaman was the Player of the Match for his century, while Hasan Ali won Player of the Tournament.

Now, after eight years, the tournament returns, promising thrilling cricket between the best teams in the world.