Champions Trophy 2025 Kicks Off: Kohli-Rohit’s Final Hurrah? 8 Key Insights

Karachi: After an eight-year wait, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is finally here, with defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Stadium on Wednesday. The return of the 50-over tournament brings high stakes, intense rivalries, and potential farewells, especially for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who could be playing their last ICC event in ODIs.

Here are eight crucial points to know before the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy begins:

1. Return After Eight Years

Scrapped after 2017, the tournament was revived after ICC’s failed World Test Championship model. Pakistan now hosts the first edition since its comeback.

2. Pakistan Defends the Crown

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan enters as the reigning champion, having defeated India by 180 runs in the 2017 final. However, only Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman remain from that victorious squad.

3. ICC’s First Major Tournament in Pakistan Since 1996

This marks the first ICC event in Pakistan in nearly three decades, after security concerns forced tournaments away. The country last co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

4. India’s Matches in UAE

With the Indian government denying clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan, all India’s matches will be played in the UAE under a hybrid hosting model.

5. Afghanistan’s Historic Debut

Afghanistan qualified for their first-ever Champions Trophy by finishing sixth in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka and the Netherlands failed to make the cut.

6. Short & Intense Format

Each team plays just three group-stage matches, with only the top two from each group reaching the semifinals. This high-stakes format leaves little room for error.

7. Kohli-Rohit’s Last Dance?

Speculation is high that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may bid farewell to ODIs after this tournament. With young stars emerging, will this be their final shot at ICC glory?

8. Injury Woes for Top Teams

Several teams face setbacks, with 12 key players ruled out due to injuries. India loses Jasprit Bumrah, while Australia misses five, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward Pakistan and the UAE, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises thrilling action, legendary battles, and perhaps, emotional goodbyes. Will it be a dream farewell for Kohli and Rohit, or will a new era of champions emerge?

Stay tuned for all the updates!