Champions Trophy 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

If you love big‑stage cricket, the Champions Trophy 2025 is the event you’ll be marking on your calendar. The ICC has confirmed that the tournament will be hosted in India, with ten of the world’s best sides battling in a short, high‑octane format. Below we break down the key facts – dates, venues, team line‑up, how to grab tickets and the best ways to catch every match live.

When and Where Does It Happen?

The tournament kicks off on October 1, 2025 and runs until October 15, 2025. All matches are scheduled across three iconic Indian venues:

• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – home of historic finals.
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata – known for its roaring crowds.
• Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – a pitch that often produces big scores.

Each city will host a mix of group games, semi‑finals and the grand finale, so fans in different parts of the country get a chance to experience the buzz.

Who’s Playing?

Ten teams have qualified based on the ICC rankings as of June 2025. The line‑up includes:

• India (host)
• Australia
• England
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• West Indies
• Afghanistan

These squads bring a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry youngsters, promising plenty of fireworks. Expect fierce rivalries – India vs Pakistan, England vs Australia, and the rising challenge from Afghanistan.

The format is simple: two groups of five, each team plays the others in its group once. The top two from each group advance to the semi‑finals, then a knockout final decides the champion.

Ticket Tips and How to Get Yours

Ticket sales open on July 15, 2025 through the official ICC portal and partnered ticketing partners. Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

• Buy early – high‑demand matches like India vs Pakistan sell out within hours.
• Choose the ‘flexi‑ticket’ option if you’re not sure which game you’ll attend; it lets you swap dates within the same venue.
• Look out for the ‘early bird’ discount of 10 % for purchases before August 1.

All tickets are e‑tickets; you’ll receive a QR code on your phone to scan at the gate. No need for printed passes.

Where to Watch Live – TV and Streaming

If you can’t make it to the stadium, you can still enjoy every ball from the comfort of your couch. In India, Star Sports holds the broadcast rights, while the global streaming partner is Hotstar. Outside India, the ICC has partnered with Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), and Willow TV (USA). Most platforms offer a free trial for the first match, so you can test the stream before committing.

For mobile fans, the Hotstar app provides an “ad‑free” premium tier that includes multi‑camera angles, live stats and a chat window to discuss the action with fellow fans.

What to Expect on the Field

Given the October window, pitches will offer a balanced contest – enough bounce for pace bowlers, but also spin-friendly sections that favor Indian and Pakistani spinners. Expect scores in the 260‑280 range in 50‑over games, with the final likely turning into a high‑scoring thriller.

Keep an eye on key players: Virat Kohli’s form, Australia’s fast‑bowling quartet, New Zealand’s all‑rounder Mahe Sharma, and Afghanistan’s leg‑spinner Rashid Khan. Their performances could tip the scale.

Final Thoughts

Champions Trophy 2025 promises packed action, dramatic finishes and a chance for underdogs to shine. Whether you’re buying a ticket, streaming from home, or just checking the schedule on your phone, make sure you’re set before the first ball rolls on October 1. Grab your gear, plan your travel, and get ready to cheer – this is the cricket festival you won’t want to miss.