The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is almost here, promising a high-octane spectacle that will have us glued to our screens. Set to kick off on February 19th, this grand ODI extravaganza is a mere couple of months away. While the venues are yet to be officially announced, the subcontinent is set to host, and the buzz is already palpable.
India might be the bookies’ hot favourite, but hold on to your hats—this tournament is no foregone conclusion! Among the giants of the game, a few dark horses are galloping under the radar, ready to shake up the betting tables. Let’s dive into why Afghanistan, England, and Pakistan could defy the odds to lift the trophy.
Afghanistan: The Underdogs with a Bite
From their rise in the ICC rankings to shocking the big guns, Afghanistan’s story is pure cricketing romance. Ranked eighth in ODIs, their qualification for this elite tournament was no fluke—they earned it with a stellar performance in the 2023 ICC World Cup, finishing sixth.
But recent form suggests they’re punching well above that eighth spot. Earlier this year, Afghanistan made history by toppling South Africa in a home series in the UAE. The Proteas were bowled out for paltry scores of 106 and 134 as Afghanistan secured a landmark 2-1 series win.
At the heart of this surge is the sensational Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose fearless knocks of 105 and 89 against South Africa showcased his class. Then there’s the magician Rashid Khan, whose seven wickets in two games left the Proteas in a spin—until a hamstring injury sidelined him for the final match. If these stars fire, don’t be surprised to see Afghanistan crash the semi-final party.
England: A Fallen Giant Ready to Rise?
Once the kings of ODI cricket, England’s current seventh-place ICC ranking feels almost unrecognisable for a side that was crowned World Cup champions in 2019. Yet, there’s an air of unpredictability about them, which makes them dangerous.
Sure, their 2023 World Cup campaign was a disaster, but this is England. The whispers of a potential return for Joe Root and Ben Stokes could transform their fortunes. These seasoned campaigners, paired with a hungry new generation, could rekindle the fire that made them so formidable.
Eoin Morgan himself has suggested blending youth with experience—a recipe that could see England roar back to form. Don’t be fooled by their low ICC ranking or the long odds; England loves the big stage, and Pakistan could be where they rediscover their mojo.
Pakistan: Host Nation, Hungry for Glory
The hosts of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy are no strangers to springing surprises—remember their fairytale victory in the 2017 edition? Despite their stellar ICC ranking of third in ODIs, the betting odds aren’t as kind, placing them as joint-fifth favourites alongside New Zealand.
Playing on home turf, in front of a sea of green-clad supporters, Pakistan has every reason to fancy their chances. Babar Azam, the backbone of their batting lineup, will be itching to deliver after a rough patch in Tests. However, Pakistan’s Achilles’ heel might be their spin department, where options like Abrar Ahmed and Usama Mir remain largely untested at this level.
But write off Pakistan at your own peril. Their unpredictability, combined with the roar of the Lahore crowd, makes them a team capable of rewriting the script.
Who Will Steal the Spotlight?
The Champions Trophy is notorious for its twists and turns, and this edition promises to be no different. Whether it’s Afghanistan’s meteoric rise, England’s battle for redemption, or Pakistan’s quest to reclaim glory on home soil, the subcontinent will be buzzing with cricket fever.
