It’s been a while since we had a champions trophy, right?
Why was there such a long gap?
Since its creation in 1998, the tournament has been played every two years until 2009. After that, it was transferred to a four -year cycle. India was supposed to host the 2021 edition, but it was replaced by the T20 World Cup, which was finally played in water.
So the Pakistan is the hosts this time?
Yes, but there is more. Since India refused to go to Pakistan, the PCB opted for a hybrid model with India matches to hold in Dubai. This decision was made after a long dead end. Pakistan’s leg will be played in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The Karachi National Stadium and the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore undergo significant upgrades and renovations, almost took place against time. Their preparation will be tested during the Tri-Série, involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, just before the Champions Trophy.
Where will the opening ceremony be held then?
The PCB will organize an event in Lahore on February 16 to mark the start of the tournament. However, there will be no meeting or press conference of the captains, for logistical reasons. It also ends speculation to find out if the captain of India Rohit Sharma will go to Pakistan or not.
But why does India are not going to Pakistan when everyone is?
Due to the political tension between the two countries. Even Indian match officials do not go to Pakistan. The last time India visited Pakistan was for the 2008 Asian Cup, even if Pakistan has played several ICC tournaments in India since then, including the ODI 2023 World Cup. Before the trophy Champions, the two councils and the ICC concluded an agreement that until 2027, even Pakistan’s matches in an ICC tournament organized in India would be played in a neutral place.
When was the last time that ICC tournament took place in Pakistan?
To do this, you will have to return until 1996, when Pakistan co-organized the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was supposed to welcome the Champions Trophy in 2008. But due to security problems, the tournament was finally played in South Africa in 2009.
Does India play Pakistan in the Champions 2025 trophy?
Yes, they are in the same group and will compete on February 23, Sunday in Dubai. Unlike the World Cups, where India has a 15-1 head record, things were much closer to the Champions Trophy, Pakistan leading 3-2.
How many teams all participate?
Eight, like the 2017 edition. The only difference is that Afghanistan qualified before Sri Lanka this time. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and group B South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England. You can find all the squads here.
How were participants decided?
Being the hosts, Pakistan obtained an automatic qualification. The other seven teams were decided on the basis of the ODI 2023 World Cup ranking. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, which finished ninth and tenth, missed the cup.
What happened to the Antilles?
Since the West Indies had not qualified for the ODI 2023 World Cup, they could not compete either for the Champions Trophy. This was the same case for Zimbabwe and Ireland, the other members of the full.
What is the format for the Champions Trophy?
Each team will once play their member colleagues. After that, the two best teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with A1 playing B2 and B1 playing A2.
If India qualifies, they will play their semi-final in Dubai on March 4, whatever their position on the point table. Likewise, if Pakistan qualifies, they will play their semi-final in Lahore on March 5.
The final will be played on March 9 in Lahore, unless India goes until it is. In this case, the place will be Dubai again.
What will happen if a match ends with equality?
All matches linked throughout the tournament will be decided via the Super Over. If the Super Over is also tied, the subsequent super oversupply will be played until there is a winner.
Is there a reserve day for direct elimination matches?
Yes, the two semi-finals and the final have a reserve day. But each attempt will be made to finish the game on the scheduled day itself. If it is not possible, the match will resume the day of the reserve from which it was arrested.
In direct elimination matches, the stick team of the second should have the opportunity to play at least 25 Overs – against 20 in the group phase – so that the result is decided via the DLS method.
What happens if there is still a washing?
In the event of non-result in the semi-finals, the team which finished higher in the group phase will pass to the final. If the final is washed, the trophy will be shared.
Have there already been joint winners?
Yes, India and the hosts of Sri Lanka shared the trophy in 2002 after washing the final. There was a day of reserve in place but, depending on the game conditions at the time, the match was played again. The two days, Sri Lanka struck first and played its 50 overs, but the rain did not allow more than ten overs the second round in one or the other occasion.
What are the key elements I need to know about the teams?
Australia enters the tournament as ODI world champions, but their Captain Pat Cummins, fast launcher Josh Hazlewood and Allrounder Mitchell Marsh were excluded by injuries. Marcus Stoinis also retired. Australia has until February 12 to name their replacements.
India hoped that Rohit and Virat Kohli are going well after bad feedback in test cricket in recent times. Pakistan recalled Fakhar Zaman, the match player in the last time, and England did the same with Joe Root, while Bangladesh omitted Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. New Zealand will play its first world tournament under Mitchell Santner.
Finally, where can I watch the games?
Depending on your location, you can watch the games the following.
Afghanistan – Ariana TV Australia – Video Prime Bangladesh – Nagorik TV and T Sports England – PK Press Club India – Star Sports Network and Disney + Hostar New Zealand – Sky Sport Pakistan – PTV, A Sports and Tapmad South Africa – Supersport Sri Lanka – Star Sports Network Efuris – Starz on USA – Willow TV
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