Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has revealed his picks for the semi-finalists of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After months of speculation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has resolved hosting uncertainties by confirming the tournament will be held across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The eight-team event, played in a 50-over format, will feature 15 matches. Notably England are the only nation to have announced their squad so far.
Champions Trophy 2025: Host and venue details
India’s matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 have been shifted to Dubai due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s decision not to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan. Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi will host the group-stage matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will serve as the venue for the knockout stages, including both semi-finals and the final. If India qualifies for the final, the match will be played in Dubai, with reserve days in place for both semi-finals and the final to ensure no interruptions due to weather.
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Fakhar Zaman’s semifinalists
Speaking on Basit Ali’s YouTube channel, Fakhar expressed confidence in teams from subcontinent securing a spot in the final four. Despite formidable sides like New Zealand, England, and Australia, Fakhar included South Africa in his list of semi-finalists.
“Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and South Africa are the teams I believe will reach the semi-finals,” Fakhar stated.
Zaman’s memorable performance in the Champions Trophy 2017 final, where he scored a match-winning century against the arch-rivals, India, remains a defining moment of his career. His knock secured Pakistan’s first-ever Champions Trophy victory, and Fakhar was subsequently named Player of the Match.
