DUBAI: With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just weeks away, the buzz around the tournament is palpable. Fans in Dubai, and indeed the UAE, are gearing up to see their cricketing idols in action.
Among the most eagerly awaited arrivals are those of the Indian and Bangladesh cricket squads, who will land in the city by mid-February.
For Indian fans, the chance to witness stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in their pre-tournament training sessions promises to be an unforgettable experience.
India’s prep for Champions Trophy 2025
India’s preparations will be in full swing after their final ODI against England in Ahmedabad, scheduled for February 12. The squad, which includes some of the world’s finest cricketers such as Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and young Yashasvi Jaiswal, will then head straight to Dubai.
There, they will set up camp in anticipation of their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20.
Fans will be treated to a glimpse of India’s high-performance training and strategy sessions in the lead-up to their tournament opener.
Bangladesh ready for Dubai showdown
Bangladesh, the Group A rival to India, will arrive by February 15. Under the leadership of Nazmul Hossain Shanto, they will be looking to make their mark in the tournament.
The team, which features key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, has long been a formidable force in global cricket, and they will surely be aiming to challenge the dominance of their more illustrious opponents in Dubai.
India vs Pakistan: The ultimate rivalry
While India’s opening game against Bangladesh promises excitement, it’s the clash with Pakistan that will have cricket fans around the world on the edge of their seats. The high-profile encounter between these two arch-rivals is set for February 23, and the anticipation is already building to fever pitch.
After years of thrilling encounters, this ICC Champions Trophy clash is expected to continue the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.
India will also face New Zealand in their final group-stage match on March 2, adding more intrigue to their campaign.
Defending Champions: Pakistan
Pakistan will enter the competition as the defending champions, having clinched the 2017 Champions Trophy title in dramatic fashion. Their squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will rely heavily on experienced players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, as well as the return of Fakhar Zaman, whose match-winning century against India in 2017 remains one of the tournament’s defining moments. Zaman’s inclusion in the squad is expected to bolster Pakistan’s top order as they look to defend their crown.
Ticket sales awaited
As excitement builds around the tournament, fans are eagerly awaiting ticket information, especially for the India-Pakistan encounter. The clash between these two cricketing giants is one of the most sought-after matches in any global cricketing event, and tickets for the games in Dubai are expected to sell out quickly.
Tournament organisers have confirmed that ticket sales for India’s matches in Dubai on February 20, 23, and March 2 will be announced shortly. The final, to be held on March 9, will also see tickets go on sale after the conclusion of the first semi-final.
A tournament like no other
As the countdown to February 19 continues, the stage is set for what promises to be a tournament full of high drama and intense rivalries. With eight of the world’s best cricketing nations competing for the coveted title, each match will carry significant weight.
India and Pakistan will undoubtedly dominate the headlines, but with teams like Australia, England, and South Africa also vying for supremacy, every encounter will be crucial in the race to the semi-finals.