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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is one of the most awaited cricket events scheduled to start on 19 February 2025. Organized jointly by Pakistan i Dubaithe tournament promises high-octane action as the world’s top cricketing nations battle it out for the coveted title.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: An Overview
Although most of the matches will be split between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)India is set to play all their matches in Dubai due to ongoing geopolitical considerations. India will start its campaign against it Bangladesh on February 20, setting the stage for an exciting group stage clash. With the event returning after a gap of eight years, the competition is expected to attract massive attention from fans and pundits alike. The pitches in Pakistan and the UAE are likely to offer varied challenges, from spin-friendly tracks in Dubai to pace-friendly conditions in Pakistan, making team balance a key factor in determining the success
The excitement surrounding the prestigious event in Pakistan and Dubai
The Champions Trophy has always been a unique tournament, known for its compact format and intense competition. Unlike the longer World Cup, this tournament features only the top eight cricketing nations, ensuring that every match has high stakes. For teams like South Africa, who are yet to win a major ICC event, this represents a golden opportunity to end their trophy drought. Meanwhile, traditional power plants like India, Australiai England they will look to maintain their dominance on the world stage.
In this context, cricket experts and former players have been sharing their predictions for the tournament. A recent episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, with cricket stalwarts Nasser Hussain and Michael Athertonsaw the duo engage in a spirited discussion about their picks for the 2025 Champions Trophy winner.
READ also: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra predicts the Champions Trophy 2025 finalists
Michael Atherton’s prediction for the eventual winner
When asked about his prediction for the winner of the tournament, Michael Atherton, supported with confidence south africa to break their bad tradition in ICC events. He highlighted South Africa’s current form and the strength of their squad, expressing hope that they will overcome their history of falling short in moments of crisis.
“I’m going to go to South Africa like I do with every world tournament until they win one, when I can finally say that this stopped clock has finally been right, so yes, South Africa look like a strong side, I think time for them to break their duck in the ICC event,” Atherton said.
Reflecting on past disappointments, Nasser shared an amusing anecdote from Barbados, where South Africa, despite being in a dominant position, failed to cross the line against India in the final of T20 World Cup 2024.
“You know I just remember in Barbados we were sitting in what they call the green room next to the commentary room and you, that angry, that angry look on your face when they needed 30 for 30 with a lot of wickets in hand and that kind of smile slowly wiped off your face as India crossed the line.” Hussain said.
Nasser Hussain’s Prediction on the New CT2025 Champion
Hussain, on the other hand, bet Australiaciting their recent dominance across formats as a key reason. Hussain further predicted a repeat of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Final between India and Australia, with the two heavyweights likely to clash for the Champions Trophy title.
“They (Australia) have just won pretty much everything else. Even though they didn’t win the T20 World Cup, India did, I think Australia are ranked number one for a reason. I’m going to an India-Australia final again “, Hussain concluded.
