The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is about to happen between February 19 and March 9, bringing collectively eight of the world’s prime cricketing nations in a high-stakes battle for the coveted title. The event might be performed within the 50-over format and might be hosted collectively by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A historic event set to unfold
This version is especially historic as it would mark Pakistan’s first time internet hosting an ICC world occasion because the 1996 ODI World Cup. Because of safety considerations, particularly concerning India‘s participation, a portion of the matches, might be held in Dubai. The ninth version of the Champions Trophy will see the highest eight groups from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 – together with hosts Pakistan – compete throughout 15 thrilling matches, unfold throughout varied venues in Pakistan and the UAE. The event’s return after an eight-year hiatus has generated immense pleasure, with followers eagerly awaiting the revival of this prestigious competitors.
Shikhar Dhawan picks the winner between India and Pakistan
Essentially the most extremely anticipated fixture of the Champions Trophy would be the encounter between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 23, on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium. Every time these two cricketing powerhouses meet, the stakes are huge, the environment electrifying, and the feelings intense. Given the historic rivalry, political backdrop, and the rarity of their encounters outdoors ICC occasions, this match might be one of many most-watched sporting occasions globally.
Forward of this high-voltage conflict, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan shared his ideas on the encounter. Chatting with the Occasions of India (TOI), Dhawan mirrored on the unparalleled depth of an India-Pakistan match. He emphasised how these contests carry an unmatched vitality, making them an honor to take part in. He expressed confidence in India’s potential to carry out effectively, stating that he believes the Indian group will come out victorious.
“The India vs Pakistan rivalry is at all times particular. There’s a singular depth to those video games – a lot vitality, so many emotions- it’s a rivalry like no different. Representing India and taking part in in opposition to Pakistan is an absolute honor, and the environment on the sphere is not like something I’ve skilled. Each second feels greater due to the rivalry, and it’s a type of matches that each participant seems to be ahead to with nice pleasure. I’m positive India will provide you with flying colours,” Shikhar mentioned.
Dhawan, who performed a vital function in India’s Champions Trophy 2013 victory beneath MS Dhoni, was named Participant of the Event for his stellar performances. The left-handed opener amassed 363 runs in 5 matches, averaging an astonishing 90.75, with two centuries and a fifty. His contributions performed a key function in India’s unbeaten marketing campaign.
Additionally READ: Pakistan’s Wasim Akram predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025
Head-to-Head: India vs Pakistan in ICC tournaments
India have traditionally dominated Pakistan in ICC World Cups, sustaining a 100% win file in ODI World Cups (8-0) and profitable seven of their eight encounters in T20 World Cups, with Pakistan’s solely victory coming in Dubai in 2021. Nevertheless, the Champions Trophy tells a distinct story, the place Pakistan leads 3-2 in head-to-head battles. In 2004 and 2009, Pakistan received the group-stage encounters, establishing an early benefit. India responded with dominant victories in 2013 and 2017, leveling the file.
Nevertheless, Pakistan registered a commanding 180-run win within the 2017 ultimate, a match that continues to be one in all their best victories in ICC historical past. Fakhar Zaman’s match-winning century and Mohammad Amir’s devastating opening spell in opposition to India’s prime order sealed Pakistan’s second ICC Champions Trophy title. This stays Pakistan’s solely ICC trophy win over India, including further motivation for India to settle scores within the upcoming version.