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The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, bringing together eight of the world’s top cricketing nations in a high-stakes 50-over tournament.
Pakistan and UAE to host a prestigious ODI tournament
Pakistan will serve as the primary host, marking its first major ICC event on home soil since the ODI World Cup 1996. However, due to political tensions, India‘s matches will take place in Dubai, adopting a hybrid model similar to the 2023 Asia Cup. Matches will take place in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai, ensuring a fair balance between teams. The tournament will follow its traditional format, featuring two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
This year’s Champions Trophy features Pakistan, India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh – all of whom secured qualification based on their performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, both past Champions Trophy winners, failed to qualify, highlighting their recent struggles in the 50-over format. The absence of these two historically strong teams opens the door for Afghanistan and Bangladesh to make a significant impact on the global stage.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Injuries shake up team preparations
With the Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, several teams have been hit with significant injury concerns, forcing last-minute squad changes. A total of 11 players from different teams have been ruled out due to injuries or personal reasons, impacting team strategies and balance.
Pakistan faces a blow in their batting lineup
Pakistan’s Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a right ankle fracture during the Test series against South Africa. The young left-hander, seen as a promising future star, was expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s middle order. His absence will force the team to rethink their batting combinations, especially in spin-friendly conditions at home.
Australia’s squad hit hard by injuries and withdrawals
Australia have suffered the worst injury crisis leading up to the Champions Trophy, losing five key players, including their captain and two of their frontline pacers. Pat Cummins has been sidelined due to a persistent ankle injury, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out with a side and calf strain. Adding to their woes, Mitchell Marsh, who was expected to be a vital all-rounder, is out due to a back injury.
However, the biggest setback came when Mitchell Starc withdrew for personal reasons, leaving Australia’s bowling attack significantly weakened. Furthermore, Marcus Stoinis, a vital all-rounder, has also opted out due to sudden shocking retirement, affecting both their batting depth and pace-bowling options. With so many key players missing, Australia will have to rely on its squad depth to remain competitive.
Also READ: ICC announces warm-up fixtures for the Champions Trophy 2025
South Africa loses two fast-bowling options
South Africa’s pace attack has also suffered major setbacks. Anrich Nortje, one of their fastest bowlers, has been ruled out with a back injury and has been replaced by Corbin Bosch. Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee, another promising pacer, has been sidelined due to groin tightness, further depleting their bowling resources. With both Nortje and Coetzee out, the responsibility of leading the attack now falls on Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
Afghanistan loses a young spin prospect
Afghanistan’s young right-arm finger spinner Allah Ghazanfar has been ruled out due to a fracture in his L4 vertebra. This is a significant setback for Afghanistan, as they rely heavily on spin in their bowling strategy. While Rashid Khan remains their main weapon, the absence of Ghazanfar will test Afghanistan’s depth in the spin department.
England and India suffer key player injuries
England has also had to make changes due to injury. Jacob Bethell was ruled out after suffering a left hamstring injury, forcing the selectors to bring in Tom Banton as his replacement.
For India, the biggest setback has been the loss of Jasprit Bumrah, their premier fast bowler, due to a lower back injury sustained during the final Test against Australia in Sydney. Bumrah’s absence is a massive blow to India’s bowling attack, especially in the UAE conditions where their pace attack could have been a decisive factor. Young fast bowler Harshit Rana has been named as his replacement, marking a significant opportunity for the emerging pacer.
1. Pakistan
- Saim Ayub (Right ankle fracture) – Ruled out after sustaining an injury during the Test series against South Africa.
2. Australia
- Pat Cummins (Ankle injury) – Sidelined due to persistent ankle concerns.
- Josh Hazlewood (Side and calf strain) – Declared unfit for the tournament.
- Mitchell Marsh (Back injury) – Omitted due to back issues.
- Mitchell Starc (Withdrawn for personal reasons) – A huge blow to Australia’s bowling attack.
- Marcus Stoinis (ODI retirement)
3. South Africa
- Anrich Nortje (Back injury) – Replaced by Corbin Bosch.
- Gerald Coetzee (Groin tightness) – Ruled out, weakening the fast-bowling stocks.
4. Afghanistan
- Allah Ghazanfar (L4 vertebra fracture) – A setback for Afghanistan’s spin attack.
5. England
- Jacob Bethell (Left hamstring injury) – Replaced by Tom Banton.
6. India
- Jasprit Bumrah (Lower back injury) – A massive loss for India; replaced by young pacer Harshit Rana.
