Champions Trophy 2025 Squads

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be hosted in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9, with the top eight nations competing against each other. Pakistan, the defending champions, will look to retain their title.

The action kicks off with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, while India’s campaign begins the next day in Dubai against Bangladesh. The Group B action starts with Afghanistan taking on South Africa in Karachi on February 21.

The matches will be hosted across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, with Dubai hosting all of India’s matches. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the second semi-final and the final on March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case the summit clash will shift to Dubai. Reserve days are allocated for the semi-finals and the final to ensure smooth progression.

All participating teams, except for India and Pakistan, have announced their preliminary squads. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked for an extension to finalise its team and is expected to announce the lineup this week.

Veteran batter Rohit Sharma is likely to lead India, while Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain due to recurring back issues. Virat Kohli’s fitness is also under question, with reports of a neck sprain possibly sidelining him from domestic cricket as he looks to prepare for the Champions Trophy.