The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy is set to make its highly anticipated return on February 19, with Pakistan hosting the tournament for the first time in its history. The Champions Trophy, often regarded as a mini-World Cup, will bring together the top eight men’s one-day international (ODI) teams, offering a platform for the world’s best cricketers to showcase their skills in the 50-over format. The 2025 edition comes eight years after the last Champions Trophy in 2017, where Pakistan triumphed in a thrilling final against India in England. This year’s tournament is expected to be a spectacle of cricketing excellence, with some of the game’s biggest stars set to light up the stage in Pakistan. Among these, Al Jazeera Sport has identified five standout players—drawn from the four leading contenders for the trophy—who could shape the outcome of the tournament. These players, with their remarkable talent and consistent performances, are sure to captivate fans and play pivotal roles for their respective teams.
Leading the charge is Pakistan’s batting maestro, Babar Azam, who is not only the hosts’ best hope but also the world’s top-ranked ODI batsman. The 30-year-old right-hander has been a revelation since his international debut in 2015, amassing 19 centuries and 34 fifties in just 122 ODI innings. His incredible average of 55.98 in the format is a testament to his consistency and class. While Babar stepped down as Pakistan’s captain in October 2024, he remains the team’s inspirational figure and backbone. His ability to anchor innings and deliver match-winning totals makes him a player to watch closely. With the tournament being held in Pakistan, the home crowd’s support could elevate Babar’s performance, making him a formidable force in the hosts’ quest to retain the trophy.
India, meanwhile, enters the tournament as the clear favorites, bolstered by a star-studded lineup. Among the young talents in the Indian squad, 25-year-old Shubman Gill has emerged as a poster boy for Indian cricket, both for his on-field brilliance and off-field charisma. Gill’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. In his last four innings leading up to the tournament, he has scored two centuries, including one in the final match of a pre-tournament series against England. With seven centuries and 15 fifties in just 50 ODI innings, Gill boasts an impressive average of 60.16, making him one of the most exciting young batsmen in the world. His ability to dominate bowlers with grace and power could prove crucial for India’s title aspirations. Alongside veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Gill forms part of a batting lineup that is unlikely to be easily contained.
England, despite their recent struggles in white-ball cricket, will rely heavily on their captain, Jos Buttler, to turn their fortunes around. The 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is not only a dynamic player but also a respected leader, having taken over the captaincy from Eoin Morgan, one of England’s greatest leaders. Buttler’s ability to innovate and adapt under pressure has been instrumental in England’s success in the past, most notably during their 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph. With 11 centuries and 27 fifties in 157 ODI innings, Buttler averages 39.33 and remains a key figure in England’s batting order. While England’s recent form has been patchy, their victory in the 2019 World Cup and Buttler’s leadership experience make them a dark horse in the competition. If Buttler can inspire his team to rise to the occasion, England could yet spring a surprise in Pakistan.
Australia, another strong contender, will look to Glenn Maxwell to provide the spark that could take them to victory. At 36 years old, Maxwell remains one of the most dangerous and innovative batsmen in the world. His ability to single-handedly change the course of a game with his explosive batting and clever strokeplay has earned him the nickname “The Big Show.” Only 15 months ago, Maxwell produced one of the most remarkable innings in ODI history, scoring an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan while playing through an injury. His impactful performances have been a cornerstone of Australia’s success in white-ball cricket, and his off-break bowling adds another dimension to his game. With a strike rate of 123 in ODIs, Maxwell is a nightmare for bowlers and a key asset for Australia. If he can replicate his heroics from the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Australia could well find themselves in the final.
Lastly, Pakistan’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by the young and fiery Shaheen Shah Afridi. At just 24 years old, Afridi has already established himself as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the world. His ability to dismantle batting lineups with his pace, accuracy, and intelligence makes him a match-winner in his own right. Afridi’s rise to prominence has been rapid since his international debut in 2018, and he has already taken 124 wickets in just 60 ODIs. His performances have earned him a spot in the top five of the ICC’s ODI bowling rankings, and he is the only seam bowler in that elite group. Like Babar, Afridi has the potential to inspire his team and deliver moments of magic on home soil. If both Babar and Afridi are at the peak of their powers, Pakistan could well retain the Champions Trophy in front of their passionate home crowd.
In conclusion, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the world’s best cricketers vying for glory in Pakistan. Players like Babar Azam, Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Glenn Maxwell, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be central to their teams’ campaigns, bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table. While India and Australia enter the tournament as strong favorites, Pakistan and England have the talent and leadership to challenge for the title. As the cricketing world converges on Pakistan, fans can expect unforgettable moments, heroic performances, and fiercely competitive cricket. The stage is set for these five players—and many others—to etch their names in the annals of Champions Trophy history.
