The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19 in Pakistan. Former Australian cricket captain and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has shared his predictions for the tournament. According to Ponting, India and Australia are likely to be the two finalists.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting highlighted their impressive track records and recent success in global tournaments. “It’s hard to go past India and Australia. Both have star-studded lineups and consistently perform in major ICC events,” he emphasized.
Ponting also named England and South Africa as potential semifinalists. Their strong squads and competitive performances make them tough contenders. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who joined Ponting on the show, agreed with his predictions. He echoed the belief that India and Australia would likely meet in the final.
However, Ponting did not rule out Pakistan as a strong challenger. “Pakistan is playing some excellent one-day cricket. Although often unpredictable, they seem more stable now,” Ponting noted.
Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan enters the tournament with confidence after ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa. As defending champions, they carry the momentum of their 2017 victory, where they defeated India at The Oval. Their triumph included Fakhar Zaman’s stunning century and a powerful bowling display.
The home advantage and their defending champion status may provide Pakistan with extra motivation. The hosts will undoubtedly aim to replicate their previous success. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan group-stage clash, scheduled for February 23 in Dubai, adds further excitement to the event.
The Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match. The grand finale is set for March 9, promising cricket enthusiasts an action-packed tournament filled with thrilling encounters.
