ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Latest Trending News and Updates
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 drawing closer, excitement is building among cricket fans worldwide. Pakistan is set to host this prestigious event for the first time since 1996, making it a historic moment for the country’s cricketing landscape. Here’s the latest trending news surrounding the tournament, including team updates, injuries, and preparations.
Pakistan’s Hosting Challenges and Hybrid Model for India
Pakistan’s return as an ICC tournament host has been a major talking point. However, due to political tensions, the Indian cricket team will not be playing its matches in Pakistan. Instead, a hybrid model has been proposed where India will play its games in the UAE while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan. This has sparked debates within the cricketing fraternity about the future of India-Pakistan cricketing ties and the logistical challenges of hosting a split tournament.
Prize Money Increases for the Tournament
The ICC has announced a significant increase in the Champions Trophy prize pool. Compared to the last edition in 2017, the total prize money has increased by 53%, reaching a total of $6.9 million. The breakdown is as follows:
- Winners: $2.24 million
- Runners-up: $1.12 million
- Losing Semi-finalists: $560,000 each
- Participation Reward: All teams will receive a minimum of $100,000 for participating
This increase in prize money is expected to add more competitiveness to the tournament, as teams will have a greater financial incentive to perform at their best.
Injury Concerns Impacting Teams
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra’s Injury Woes
New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra suffered a head injury during a warm-up game against Pakistan. He was hit on the forehead while batting and has since been experiencing concussion symptoms. While he has returned to training, his availability for the opening match remains uncertain.
India’s Major Setback – Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out
Indian fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ongoing back injury. Former England cricketer David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd compared his absence to losing Cristiano Ronaldo in football, emphasizing the void left in India’s bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh is set to replace Bumrah, but his limited experience in high-stakes ODIs raises concerns about India’s bowling strength.
Australia’s Struggles Ahead of the Tournament
The Australian cricket team recently suffered a massive defeat against Sri Lanka in a warm-up series, losing by 174 runs. Their batting lineup crumbled against spin, highlighting a major weakness that opponents may look to exploit in the Champions Trophy. The absence of key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc has further weakened their squad, raising questions about their ability to perform in pressure situations.
Pakistan’s Squad Preparation and Home Advantage
With the tournament being played in their home conditions, Pakistan will be looking to make the most of their familiar pitches. The team management has been focusing on:
- Fast Bowling Attack: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah will be key to Pakistan’s success.
- Spin Department: Abrar Ahmad and Khusdil Shah will play a crucial role in middle-overs.
- Batting Stability: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to anchor the innings, while Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach will be vital at the top.
England’s Hopes of Defending Their Title
As the defending champions, England will be entering the tournament with confidence. With a strong squad featuring the likes of Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer, England aims to maintain their dominance in white-ball cricket. However, their recent ODI performances have been inconsistent, which raises doubts about their ability to replicate their 2017 success.
Final Preparations for the Tournament
With just weeks to go before the Champions Trophy 2025 begins, teams are finalizing their strategies, addressing injury concerns, and making adjustments to their playing XIs. The tournament is set to deliver high-intensity cricket with unexpected twists, nail-biting finishes, and remarkable performances.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring you the latest news, insights, and analysis from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
Injurs Players
Afghanistan
AM Ghazanfar is out due to a fractured vertebra, which he picked up on Afghanistan’s tour to Zimbabwe in December.
Australia
Australia will be without their entire first-choice pace attack at the Champions Trophy: Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are “managing some ongoing injuries”.
Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament for personal reasons.
Marcus Stoinis retired from ODIs on February 6, after being named in Australia’s provisional squad.
Mitchell Marsh has a back injury and is unlikely to play again this season.
England
Jacob Bethell was ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury on England’s ongoing white-ball tour of India.
India
Jasprit Bumrah is out with a back issue that he picked up in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January.
New Zealand
Lockie Ferguson injured his hamstring at the ILT20 in the first week of February.
Rachin Ravindra was struck on the forehead while fielding against Pakistan on February 8, in the ongoing tri-series, and did not play New Zealand’s next game on February 10. New Zealand will be waiting on his fitness ahead of the tri-series final on Friday and beyond.
Fast bowler Ben Sears was ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury.
Pakistan
Pakistan are sweating on the fitness of Haris Rauf, who picked up a “low-grade side strain” 11 days before the start of the Champions Trophy in the ongoing tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa.
South Africa
Anrich Nortje, who has not played any competitive cricket since December 2024, is out of the Champions Trophy as well due to back trouble. He was set to be replaced by Gerald Coetzee who then picked up a groin injury.
