Pat Cummins to Lead Australia in 2025 Champions Trophy

Pat Cummins has been named the captain of Australia's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9. Cummins, who led Australia to victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup, returns after sitting out the Sri Lanka Test series for personal reasons and due to an ankle injury. The preliminary squad includes notable players such as Josh Hazlewood, who is recovering from injuries, and Mitch Marsh as vice-captain. Opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was omitted due to poor performance, while fast bowler Nathan Ellis and all-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie are among the less experienced squad members. Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik praised Cummins as the world's best captain, citing his aggressive yet composed leadership style. Australia is grouped with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa, with matches primarily in Lahore and Rawalpindi, while India will play its matches in Dubai.