The much-anticipated 2025 Champions Trophy begins this Wednesday, with a turbulent build-up leading to its start. The tournament, considered second only to the World Cup in one-day international cricket, will run until March 9. This is the first time Pakistan will host a global cricket tournament in nearly three decades. However, India’s matches will be played in Dubai, due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Political Tensions and Boycott Calls
The tournament will see a split between Pakistan and Dubai, and the England team faces calls to boycott their match against Afghanistan due to the Taliban government’s ban on women in sports. More than 160 British politicians have called for the boycott. However, England Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson has vowed the match will proceed, emphasizing a coordinated international response over unilateral actions.
Pakistan Hosts Champions Trophy Begins After Decades
This marks Pakistan’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Cities like Karachi and Rawalpindi will host matches, while the security situation in Pakistan has improved since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team. International cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan since 2020.
India and Pakistan’s Rivalry Looms
India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh form Group A, while Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa make up Group B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals in Dubai and Lahore. India, the two-time Champions Trophy winners, are favorites, with Virat Kohli hoping to find form after a recent slump. However, India will be missing key bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
The Defending Champions: Pakistan
Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy champions, are unpredictable. They stunned India in 2017 with a 180-run victory in the final, but also suffered a heavy defeat in their opening match. The co-hosts, led by captain Babar Azam, will aim to repeat their triumph, but they are facing stiff competition from strong teams like India, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Other Contenders: England, Australia, and Afghanistan
England enters the competition after a difficult series loss to India, while Australia, missing several key players including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Marcus Stoinis, are seen as vulnerable. Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, is a dangerous side, having made an impact in previous World Cup campaigns.
The Road Ahead
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the potential final showdown between India and Pakistan. However, other teams like New Zealand and South Africa will also look to upset the favorites and claim the title in a tournament that promises excitement and unpredictability.
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