ICC Champions Trophy 2025 — What fans need to know

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is one of the biggest one-day events on the cricket calendar. If you want to follow the action without missing a beat, this page gives the essentials: format, likely teams, top players to watch, how to watch, and smart tips for fans and fantasy players.

Format, teams and schedule basics

The tournament uses a compact ODI format: groups followed by knockouts. Expect the top-ranked ICC teams to feature — think powerhouses and a couple of surprise qualifiers who earned their spots through recent events. Exact dates, venues, and final squads are set by the ICC and announced before the tournament; keep an eye on official channels for confirmations.

Group matches mean you’ll see several high-stakes games in a short span. That ups the excitement and makes every match count for qualification. Pitch conditions and local weather often decide tactics, so watch pre-tournament reports to see who benefits from batting-friendly or seam-friendly surfaces.

Top players to watch and simple tactics

Look for big-name batters who can change a game in one session and all-rounders who balance batting and bowling. Fast bowlers who can take early wickets and spinners who control the middle overs are crucial in ODIs. If you play fantasy cricket, prioritise in-form openers, wicket-taking bowlers, and an all-rounder who bowls regularly.

Tactical trends to note: teams will often aim for powerplay dominance, rotate strike in the middle overs, and save big hitters for the final 10 overs. Captains who read conditions and adjust bowling changes quickly tend to win close games.

Injuries and last-minute squad changes are common. Follow official team announcements and trusted reporters on social media for up-to-the-minute updates.

How to watch: match broadcast rights vary by country. Major sports channels and streaming services typically cover ICC events — check local broadcasters like SuperSport, Sky Sports, Star Sports, Willow, or your national sports network. Official ICC streaming platforms or partner apps often carry live scores, highlights, and replays. If you travel, use official apps or verified streaming partners to avoid blackout or geo-restriction issues.

Ticket tips and fan advice: buy tickets only from official organisers or verified sellers. Arrive early on match day to avoid queues, check stadium rules on bags and security, and plan transport in advance — big games bring heavy traffic. If you’re attending from abroad, factor in local weather and book accommodation near transport hubs.

Want real-time updates? Follow the ICC’s official accounts and trusted sports journalists. For local coverage and analysis, bookmark this tag page — we’ll collect match reports, key moments, and interviews as they happen so you don’t miss the best stories from the Champions Trophy 2025.

By Lesego Lehari, 20 Feb, 2025 / Sports

India vs Bangladesh: Intense Showdown at ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash saw India and Bangladesh go head-to-head in a gripping battle. Bangladesh, after a shaky start, managed to post a competitive score thanks to fifties from Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali, recovering from 35/5. In response, India aimed to make an assertive chase led by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, with questions hanging over the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in their bowling line-up.