Champions Trophy 2025 starts on February 19.The mega event will be hybrid.
Highlights:
- The finalists are India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
- Champions Trophy 2025 is set to start on February 19.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen believes that India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa will be the semifinalists in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. He explained his decision by detailing why he did not include England and Australia in his selection. Pietersen noted that Australia is currently facing multiple injury issues, with several players withdrawing from the tournament. Among those is Mitchell Strac, who pulled out citing personal reasons. He believes these challenges will significantly affect Australia’s performance in the event.
For England, Pietersen pointed to their poor ODI form and recent 50-over series loss to India. He believes these factors could negatively impact their performance in the Champions Trophy.
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Kevin Pietersen said on Star Sports, “I mean, this is so hard. It really is. But with Mitchell Starc pulling out, I’m gonna say India, Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.”
Champions Trophy 2025 is set to start on February 19 in a hybrid model. The matches will be held in both Dubai and Pakistan. India’s games and one of the semifinals will take place in Dubai, while the remaining matches will be hosted in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. The final is scheduled to be held in Lahore unless India qualifies; if the Rohit Sharma-led side makes the final, it will be played in Dubai.
Team India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan will face New Zealand in their opener, and South Africa will play their first match against Afghanistan.
