The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is generating excitement among cricket fans, but one key question remains unanswered: when will the tournament schedule be released?
While the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have not provided any official updates, Star Sports, the official broadcaster in India, has stepped in to reassure fans with a new campaign.
Star Sports’ Campaign Sparks Excitement
Star Sports recently released a promotional advertisement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring Indian cricket superstars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, along with players from other participating nations. The ad confirms that the Indian cricket team will participate in the tournament, hinting at a hybrid hosting model.
The campaign teases that the tournament is “coming soon,” but it does not provide any details about the schedule. This leaves fans eager for more information as anticipation for the event continues to grow.
The Hybrid Model
The delay in releasing the tournament schedule is tied to ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan was announced as the host for the 2025 Champions Trophy in 2021, but India initially refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing government restrictions.
After months of negotiations, the PCB reportedly agreed to host the tournament in a hybrid model, where some matches will take place in Pakistan and others in a neutral venue. This compromise came after pressure from the ICC and an ultimatum issued during a board meeting in late 2024.
Format of ICC Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy has traditionally featured eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team plays three group-stage matches. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, and the winners of the semi-finals compete in the final for the trophy. While the format for the 2025 edition has not been officially announced, major changes are unlikely.
Teams Qualified for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Two former champions, West Indies and Sri Lanka, will miss out on this edition. The eight participating teams are Pakistan (host), India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
Fans Await Official Announcements
While Star Sports’ campaign has brought some reassurance, the lack of clarity from the ICC and PCB leaves fans guessing about key details. The confirmed participating teams include heavyweights like India, Pakistan, Australia, England, and South Africa, but the schedule and venues remain unconfirmed.
With excitement building, fans are hoping the ICC will soon break its silence and release the much-awaited schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025.
