The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with reigning champions Pakistan and their fierce rivals, India, emerging as the two top favourites. Former cricketers like Kevin Pietersen and Suresh Raina have both highlighted these two teams as the standout contenders for the trophy, given their strong line-ups and impressive recent form.
This edition of the Champions Trophy promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with eight teams vying for the prestigious title—often considered more difficult to win than the World Cup itself. Each team will be hoping to write its own unique cricketing story, with India set to play all of their matches in Dubai, while the remaining teams will compete primarily in Pakistan.
This marks a significant moment for Pakistan, which will host its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, giving them a major advantage playing at home. India, as one of the favourites for the title, will look to continue its winning momentum heading into the tournament. With their matches in Dubai, they will be hoping to make a strong statement and go all the way to lift the Champions Trophy.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan, the 2017 Champions Trophy winners, will be boosted by the home-ground advantage, providing them with the edge to bounce back from past setbacks and put together a formidable challenge on home soil. Former cricketers have expressed their views on the favourites for the 2025 edition, with Pietersen, Raina, and Murali Vijay all naming India and Pakistan as key contenders.
“Pakistan who are hosting the tournament, India, England and I want to go Australia,” Kevin Pietersen said in a video for Star Sports. Raina, meanwhile, added, “India, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan.”
Other analysts have weighed in on their predictions for the top four. “My top four prediction for the Champions Trophy this season is going to be India, Pakistan, Australia and South Africa,” former Indian batter Murali Vijay said. Aakash Chopra also chimed in with his pick: “India and New Zealand from our group, South Africa and Afghanistan from the other.” Sanjay Bangar, former India batting coach, named South Africa, Australia, India, and Pakistan as his top four.
Deep Dasgupta had a unique perspective, stating, “From India’s group, I’d say India and Pakistan. From the other group, I was inclined to go Australia and South Africa. But, off-late, a lot of the SA bowlers have gone missing. So, I’m not too sure about them. Hence, I’m going to say Australia and England.”
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One of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament will undoubtedly be the India-Pakistan clash on February 23. This fixture has always been charged with emotions, nostalgia, and intense rivalries—both on and off the field. As India continues to avoid playing on Pakistani soil due to security concerns, the Dubai encounter will surely become one of the marquee moments of the 2025 Champions Trophy, sparking debates and excitement in the cricketing world.
