ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Begins February 19

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, commencing on February 19, will feature top cricket teams with notable player absences due to injuries, including India's Jasprit Bumrah and Australia's Mitchell Starc. Australia faces challenges with frontline players like Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis unavailable, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain. South Africa is dealing with the absence of Anrich Nortje but remains optimistic about ending their ICC trophy drought, as expressed by former captain Graeme Smith. The tournament, held in Pakistan and the UAE, marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year gap, with India playing all their matches in Dubai due to security concerns. Afghanistan makes its debut in the Champions Trophy, joining a group with Australia and South Africa.