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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place between February 19 and March 9, bringing together eight of the world’s top cricketing nations in a high-stakes battle for the coveted title. The tournament will be played in the 50-over format and will be hosted jointly by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A historic tournament set to unfold
This edition is particularly historic as it will mark Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC global event since the 1996 ODI World Cup. Due to security concerns, especially regarding India‘s participation, a portion of the matches, will be held in Dubai. The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy will see the top eight teams from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 – including hosts Pakistan – compete across 15 exciting matches, spread across various venues in Pakistan and the UAE. The tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus has generated immense excitement, with fans eagerly awaiting the revival of this prestigious competition.
Shikhar Dhawan picks the winner between India and Pakistan
The most highly anticipated fixture of the Champions Trophy will be the encounter between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Whenever these two cricketing powerhouses meet, the stakes are enormous, the atmosphere electrifying, and the emotions intense. Given the historic rivalry, political backdrop, and the rarity of their encounters outside ICC events, this match will be one of the most-watched sporting events globally.
Ahead of this high-voltage clash, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan shared his thoughts on the encounter. Speaking to the Times of India (TOI), Dhawan reflected on the unparalleled intensity of an India-Pakistan match. He emphasized how these contests carry an unmatched energy, making them an honor to participate in. He expressed confidence in India’s ability to perform well, stating that he believes the Indian team will come out victorious.
“The India vs Pakistan rivalry is always special. There’s a unique intensity to these games – so much energy, so many emotions- it’s a rivalry like no other. Representing India and playing against Pakistan is an absolute honor, and the atmosphere on the field is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Every moment feels bigger because of the rivalry, and it’s one of those matches that every player looks forward to with great excitement. I am sure India will come up with flying colors,” Shikhar said.
Dhawan, who played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy 2013 victory under MS Dhoni, was named Player of the Tournament for his stellar performances. The left-handed opener amassed 363 runs in five matches, averaging an astonishing 90.75, with two centuries and a fifty. His contributions played a key role in India’s unbeaten campaign.
Also READ: Pakistan’s Wasim Akram predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025
Head-to-Head: India vs Pakistan in ICC tournaments
India have historically dominated Pakistan in ICC World Cups, maintaining a 100% win record in ODI World Cups (8-0) and winning seven of their eight encounters in T20 World Cups, with Pakistan’s only victory coming in Dubai in 2021. However, the Champions Trophy tells a different story, where Pakistan leads 3-2 in head-to-head battles. In 2004 and 2009, Pakistan won the group-stage encounters, establishing an early advantage. India responded with dominant victories in 2013 and 2017, leveling the record.
However, Pakistan registered a commanding 180-run win in the 2017 final, a match that remains one of their greatest victories in ICC history. Fakhar Zaman’s match-winning century and Mohammad Amir’s devastating opening spell against India’s top order sealed Pakistan’s second ICC Champions Trophy title. This remains Pakistan’s only ICC trophy win over India, adding extra motivation for India to settle scores in the upcoming edition.
