ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to reignite the historical rivalries of the game of cricket with Pakistan vs India becoming more epic.
The ICC Champions Trophy is going to begin on 19 February as the cricket lovers worldwide are gearing up for an exhilarating tournament.
Pakistan and New Zealand will set the tone in the opening clash at Karachi. The 2025 edition of the tournament, like the previous ones, is likely to present high-stakes encounters, including some of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
This 2025 edition promises to reignite classic duels, bringing back history, passion, and drama to the field.
Pakistan vs India in Champions Trophy
It has always been a Cricket’s ultimate showdown. Few rivalries in sport can match the intensity of Pakistan vs India and the upcoming match between the two countries carries immense significance. In cricket, their encounters have never been short of spectacular.
The most notable of these came in the 2017 final, when Pakistan secured a dominant 180-run victory, claiming their maiden Champions Trophy title.
Australia vs England
The historic Ashes rivalry between the two nations extends beyond Test cricket, influencing their encounters in white-ball formats as well.
Australia, with their dominant ODI record, have often held the upper hand in international tournaments.
Their most notable cricket encounters include the 2009 edition of the Champions Trophy, where Australia’s Shane Watson was the key figure to defeating England in the semis on course to winning the title.
Australia vs South Africa
It has always been a rivalry of drama and heartbreak. Both the nations have a long history of intense ODI encounters, often defined by dramatic finishes.
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching of these came in the 1999 World Cup semi-final, where Allan Donald’s run-out resulted in a tie, allowing Australia to advance to the final.
India vs New Zealand
It has always been a battle of the Underdogs and Dominance. Though not as politically charged as other rivalries, India vs New Zealand has become one of cricket’s most intriguing encounters. New Zealand has often proven to be a thorn in India’s side, particularly in ICC clashes.
England vs South Africa
England vs South Africa is always a high-intensity clash. England and South Africa share a rivalry shaped by high-scoring ODIs and fiercely competitive matches.
Their Champions Trophy face-offs have always been exciting, including South Africa’s thumping defeat to England in 2000 to knock England out of the tournament.
England also came out on top when both sides met during the 2013 edition’s semi-final.
South Africa needed rain-adjusted 22 runs off one ball against England in 1992 Cup semi-final, eliminating them in a controversial fashion. Their Champions Trophy battles have often seen this drama. Both teams will clash on 1 March to bring a close to Group A, in Karachi.
