Pakistan hosts ICC event after 29 years: Champions trophy 2025 kicks off today – What to expect

The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence today, February 19, with Pakistan hosting the prestigious tournament. This marks a historic moment for Pakistan as the country welcomes an ICC event after a gap of 29 years. The last time Pakistan hosted a major international cricket tournament was in 1996, when it co-hosted the ODI World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. This tournament is expected to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Pakistan last hosted an ICC tournament in 1996, sharing the responsibility of the ODI World Cup. However, due to security concerns following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, international cricket events were suspended in the country. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s long-awaited return as a host nation, signaling its re-emergence on the global cricketing stage.

Comeback of the champions trophy

The ICC Champions Trophy was last played in 2017 and was later discontinued. However, the decision to revive the tournament in 2025 has brought excitement among cricket fans. Initially, there were discussions about permanently scrapping the event, but ICC ultimately decided to reinstate it, making this edition one of the most awaited cricketing spectacles.

A total of eight teams have qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, based on their rankings from the 2023 ODI World Cup. The format will feature 50-over matches, following the structure introduced in 2006. The teams are divided into two groups, with each team playing three matches within their respective groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, making the competition highly intense and unpredictable.

Key highlights of this edition

Several factors make the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy unique. Afghanistan will make its debut in the tournament, marking a significant milestone for the team. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, a regular participant, has failed to qualify for the first time. Additionally, this tournament might be the last ICC ODI event for Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, adding emotional significance to their participation.

Star players missing due to injuries

Injuries have plagued several teams ahead of the tournament. India faces a major setback with the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, while Australia is also missing key players, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. These injuries have forced teams to reassess their strategies and make crucial adjustments to their squads.