Champions Trophy 2025: India will play all its Champions Trophy league matches in Dubai with the clash against arch-rival Pakistan on 23 February. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced this on Tuesday. As has been the case in ICC events, India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group. New Zealand and Bangladesh are also in this group. Group B includes South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England. The opening match of the tournament will be played on 19 February in Karachi. In this match, host Pakistan will face New Zealand. Its final will be held on March 9.
Teams have been divided into two groups for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Group A: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
Analysis of Group A:
India: The Indian team has a strong record in the ODI format, but has seen ups and downs in performance in ICC tournaments in recent years. His previous record in Dubai has been mixed. Performance of Indian cricket team in ICC Champions Trophy.
2002: India and Sri Lanka were joint winners, as the final match could not be completed due to rain.
2013: India won the title by defeating England.
2017: Became runner up after losing to Pakistan in the final.
Total matches: 29
Victory: 18
Garland: 8
Inconclusive: 3
India-Pakistan match:
There have been a total of five matches between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, out of which Pakistan has won three and India has won two.
Pakistan: Being the host, Pakistan will have the advantage of home conditions. Their bowling attack is particularly effective, and they are also winners of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
New Zealand: The Kiwi team has been consistently performing well in ICC tournaments. Their balanced batting and bowling attack makes them competitive in any conditions.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh have improved their performance in recent years, especially in Asian conditions, they are capable of causing upsets and challenging bigger teams.
Analysis of Group B:
Australia: The Australian team has always been a strong contender in ICC tournaments. Their aggressive play and experience make them more dangerous than other teams.
England: England have had a stellar performance in white-ball cricket in recent years and are winners of the 2019 World Cup. Their batting depth and fast bowling attack makes them strong.
South Africa: The South African team is full of talented players, but their record in ICC tournaments has been weak. Nevertheless, they have the ability to defeat any team on any day and are also being touted as strong contenders.
Afghanistan: The Afghanistan team has progressed rapidly, emerged from a very strong position in recent years and is capable of causing major upsets in any ICC tournament.
Which group is stronger?
Both groups have world-class teams, but the presence of teams like Australia, England and South Africa in Group B makes it a little more interesting. However, in Group A, the teams of India, Pakistan and New Zealand are no less than anyone. Overall, there will be a tough competition between both the groups.
