Champions Trophy returns with no clear favorite in wide-open tournament

The Champions Trophy is back after eight years, with Pakistan hosting and teams missing key players, making for an unpredictable tournament.

People flash lights from their mobile phones during the inauguration of the National Bank Stadium, following renovation works ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 11, 2025. Photo by Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

By Randy Ahmad and Adila Ghina

The Champions Trophy is set to return to the cricketing calendar after an eight-year absence, but this edition lacks an overwhelming favorite. The tournament, featuring the top eight teams in one-day international (ODI) cricket, was last held in 2017 when Pakistan defeated India in the final.

As both holders and hosts, Pakistan will stage their first global tournament since the 1996 World Cup. However, due to political tensions, India will play all their matches in Dubai, including the final on March 9, should they qualify.

Weakened squads create an open field

Reigning ODI world champions Australia enter the tournament with a depleted squad. Steve Smith will captain the side in place of Pat Cummins, who is ruled out due to injury alongside fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has withdrawn for personal reasons, while Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODIs altogether.

Sri Lanka, despite failing to qualify for the tournament, recently exposed Australia's vulnerabilities with a 2-0 series win, raising questions about the strength of Smith’s squad.

Meanwhile, reigning T20 world champions India remain strong contenders. They have reached the final in the last three International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments and displayed fine form in a recent series against England, winning seven of eight limited-overs matches. Despite their dominant batting lineup, India will be without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined with a back injury. However, Mohammed Shami’s return to form in the England series has bolstered their attack, with spin all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja also expected to play key roles.

New Zealand and England seek redemption

New Zealand will be optimistic about their chances after winning the tri-nation series in Pakistan, where they remained unbeaten and defeated the hosts in the final. The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner, have a history of strong performances in ICC events. Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee believes they can contend for the title.

“If you look at New Zealand’s track record in ICC events, they are always there or thereabouts,” Southee told the ICC. “In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, if you get on a bit of a roll, anything can happen. I’d love to see the Black Caps there and hopefully lifting the trophy at the end.”

England, on the other hand, arrive at the tournament on the back of a disappointing period. They failed to defend both their T20 and ODI World Cup titles under captain Jos Buttler and suffered a humiliating 3-0 ODI series defeat to India. Injuries have further weakened their squad, with Jacob Bethell ruled out due to a hamstring injury and bowlers Brydon Carse (toe), Jamie Overton (hamstring), and Jofra Archer (hand) all struggling with fitness concerns.

Afghanistan makes its Champions Trophy debut

A team to watch in this edition is Afghanistan, making its Champions Trophy debut. Their qualification came after a strong sixth-place finish in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they stunned former champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. With a growing reputation as giant-killers, Afghanistan could spring further surprises in this tournament.

Pakistan looks to capitalize on hosting opportunity

Pakistan, set to open the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, hopes a successful Champions Trophy will boost its standing as a host for future international events. The country has faced skepticism about its security conditions, and a well-run event could help shift global perceptions.

For Pakistan, the dream scenario would be for wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan to replicate the heroics of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the team to their only Champions Trophy title in 2017. A win on home soil would not only be a major achievement but could also pave the way for more global tournaments in Pakistan.

With multiple teams missing key players and no clear favorite emerging, the 2025 Champions Trophy promises to be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent history.