The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to mark a grand comeback on the international cricket calendar, beginning on February 19. After an eight-year gap, the prestigious tournament is making its return, bringing together the world’s top eight cricketing nations for an intense battle for supremacy.
Significance of the ICC Champions Trophy
Unlike the ODI World Cup, which features an extended league format, the Champions Trophy has built its reputation as a compact and high-intensity tournament where only the top eight ranked ODI teams participate. This eliminates weaker opposition and ensures that every contest is a clash between world-class teams, making the tournament one of the most challenging in international cricket.
For teams like South Africa, this tournament presents an opportunity to end their ICC trophy drought, having never won a major ICC event despite their cricketing strength over the years. Similarly, Pakistan, playing as co-hosts, will look to harness home advantage and recreate the magic of their 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, when they stunned India in the final to lift their maiden title. Meanwhile, dominant teams like India, Australia and England will be aiming to extend their supremacy in white-ball cricket by securing another ICC trophy. New Zealand, known for consistently performing well in ICC events, will be dark horses, hoping to upset higher-ranked opponents and push for a title challenge.
Also READ: CT 2025: New Zealand’s record in ICC Champions Trophy history
Michael Vaughan reveals his choice
After India’s dominant 3-0 whitewash of England in the ODI series, former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed India as the outright favourites for the upcoming multination tournament. Impressed by India’s depth and all-round balance, Vaughan stated that no other team comes close to matching India’s strength in current conditions.
He highlighted that India possesses an abundance of talent, with several world-class players not even part of the current squad. Their success against England was a testament to their versatility, depth, and adaptability, making them the strongest contenders for the Champions Trophy. Expressing his views on social media, Vaughan wrote, “India are a fantastic team with so many players not even in this team… They have everything covered and are clear favorites to lift the Champions Trophy.”
India are a fantastic team with so many players not even in this team .. they have everything covered & are clear favourites to lift the CT .. England look like a team searching for a method on these pitches .. #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 12, 2025
