Although Pakistan is the host nation, much of the spotlight will shift to Dubai, where India will play all their matches.
The stage is set for the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan hosting the tournament under a hybrid model, while India will play all their matches in Dubai. This marks the first major international cricket event in Pakistan since they co-hosted the 1996 World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. In preparation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has renovated stadiums, aiming to pave the way for more regular ICC events in the country. However, much of the spotlight will be on Dubai, especially for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown.
Here are the five must-watch matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy:
Pakistan vs India, Group A: The India-Pakistan clash has become an annual fixture in recent ICC events, with the governing body eager to capitalize on the fierce rivalry between the two nations. This rivalry has only intensified over the years, and another thrilling chapter will unfold on March 23 in Dubai. Given the recent form of both teams, India will enter as the favourites after a dominant 3-0 ODI series win over England, while Pakistan will be under pressure following their loss in the tri-series against New Zealand.
Australia vs England, Group B: Another rivalry set to take center stage in the Champions Trophy, this crucial Group B clash will also serve as a precursor to the Ashes later in the year. Both teams, however, come into the tournament reeling from significant series defeats. A depleted Australian side was beaten by Sri Lanka, who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy, while England were thoroughly outplayed by India in a 3-0 series loss.
New Zealand vs India, Group A: New Zealand has been a tough opponent for India in recent ICC knockouts, and Rohit Sharma & Co. will approach this match with caution. The haunting memory of India’s group-stage defeat to New Zealand at the 2021 T20 World Cup, which took place at the same venue, will be fresh in their minds. However, Indian cricket’s heavyweights, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be eager to exact revenge for the embarrassing Test series loss they suffered last year.
Afghanistan vs Australia, Group B: The last time these two teams faced off in an ODI, it became a World Cup classic, with Glenn Maxwell producing one of the greatest innings in cricket history to steal victory from Afghanistan’s grasp. Afghanistan seemed on the verge of the biggest win in their history, but a couple of dropped catches and Maxwell’s double century—despite battling cramps—changed the outcome. This time, Afghanistan will be highly motivated to settle the score and create a new chapter in their cricketing journey.
England vs South Africa, Group B: Group B features four strong teams, and the match between England and South Africa could prove crucial in determining the two semifinalists. The Proteas, often criticized for their “chokers” label in ICC events, will be eager to finally secure an ICC trophy. Meanwhile, England will be determined to bounce back and prove to the cricketing world that their current squad still has what it takes to win another major ICC title.
