The Champions Trophy is one of cricket’s biggest tournaments. It started in 1998 and was first called the ICC KnockOut Trophy. Later, in 2002, it became the Champions Trophy. Unlike the World Cup, which has more teams and lasts longer, this event is shorter and only features the top teams.
The last Champions Trophy happened in 2017 in England. Pakistan won that tournament, beating India in the final. Now, after eight years, the event is back. Pakistan will host the 2025 edition, with matches likely to be played in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
The tournament has eight teams, which are split into two groups. Each team plays three matches, and the top two from each group advance to the semifinals.
Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa
Who Are the Favorites?
India (+225)
India is one of the strongest teams, and the odds released by the best betting apps show that. They have won 27 of their last 31 World Cup matches but haven’t won a 50-over ICC tournament since 2013. In 2023, they won every World Cup game until the final but lost there.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bring experience. They had a tough Test series in Australia but are expected to be in top form. Betting fans believe this is India’s chance to win an ICC title again.
Jasprit Bumrah, the ICC Player of the Year in 2024, leads the bowling attack. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav add strength. India has a real shot at lifting the trophy with a balanced squad.

Australia (+350)
Australia has won the Champions Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2009. They also won the 2023 World Cup, showing why they are always a threat.
Travis Head and Steve Smith will be key in the batting lineup. Head was outstanding in the 2023 World Cup, scoring 329 runs in six games with a strike rate of 127. Smith adds stability in the middle order, while Glenn Maxwell provides firepower at the end.
Adam Zampa is a key player in Asian conditions. He took 23 wickets in 11 games in the 2023 World Cup. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc add world-class pace, making Australia a formidable opponent.
Pakistan (+700)
Pakistan comes into the tournament in great form. They recently defeated Australia in Australia and whitewashed South Africa in South Africa.
Only Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Faheem Ashraf were part of their 2017 title-winning squad. Saim Ayub is out due to injury, but Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the 2017 final, is back.
Babar Azam leads the batting, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah form a strong pace attack. With home conditions in their favor, Pakistan is a serious contender.
Other Teams to Watch
England and South Africa have the talent but have struggled with consistency. England, once dominant in white-ball cricket, has lost some of its spark. South Africa, despite having strong players, hasn’t performed well in big ICC tournaments.
Afghanistan has been improving fast. Rashid Khan leads their spin attack, and they could surprise some big teams. But their lack of experience in 50-over tournaments could be a challenge.
New Zealand and Bangladesh are also capable of surprises. New Zealand has a history of making it to the final stages, while Bangladesh is looking to prove itself among the best teams in the world.
Summary
The tournament is still a month away so things can change. But right now, India, Australia, and Pakistan are the top teams to beat. With Pakistan hosting an ICC event after a long time, the Champions Trophy 2025 will be an exciting tournament for cricket fans everywhere
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