India vs Pakistan one of the most intense and highly anticipated rivalries in cricket history is set to unfold once again! This is not a “maybe” or a “might be” one of the biggest rivalries in the world, but seldom is the BIGGEST rivalry! Yes, we are talking about the India vs Pakistan cricket match, which promises unlimited thrill, excitement, anticipation, and waves of emotions. They are once again set to take on one another in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes showdown, where history, pride, and sporting excellence collide.
Why is India vs Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 So Special?
Historic Rivalry:
Dating back to 1952, every India vs Pakistan match is packed with emotions, drama, and fierce competition.
Star Players on Display:
With legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam taking center stage, fans can expect breathtaking performances.
Global Viewership:
Over a billion fans are expected to tune in, making it one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.
Unpredictable Encounters:
While India has dominated recent ICC tournaments, Pakistan stunned the cricketing world by winning the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India. Who will come out on top this time?
India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Match Details
- Match Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Match Time: 18:00 GST (6:00 PM Gulf Standard Time)
- Stadium Capacity: 25,000 spectators
Due to strategic decisions by the ICC, BCCI, and PCB, all of India’s matches in the Champions Trophy 2025, including this epic face-off against Pakistan, will be played in Dubai. The Dubai International Stadium is set to witness one of the most-watched cricket matches in history, with fans from across the globe tuning in to witness the action live.
Pitch & Weather Conditions at Dubai International Stadium
Dubai’s pitches, used recently in the ILT20, could lean toward being slow, favoring spin-friendly conditions. Head curator Matthew Sandery assures that the pitch will be well-prepared, ensuring fair play for both teams. While dew may not play a significant role, the average first-inning score at the venue has been 213, with winning totals around 252.
However, Dubai has not hosted an ODI featuring Full Member teams since June 2019, making it difficult to predict pitch behavior in the 50-over format. Looking at historical data since 2018, only two 300-plus scores have been recorded at this venue, both coming in the same match between Australia and Pakistan. The average first-innings score stands at 213, while teams posting 252 or more have had a strong chance of winning. Out of 35 ODIs played, teams batting first have won 14 matches, lost 19, with one game ending in a tie and another abandoned.
India & Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Recent Team Performances
Both teams enter the tournament with mixed recent performances, making this encounter even more thrilling.
India heads into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as strong favorites, even though their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is sidelined due to back issues. Despite this setback, the team is well-equipped to handle Dubai’s potentially slow pitches, thanks to a formidable spin attack.
The squad features five spinners, including three versatile all-rounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar—who add depth to both the batting and bowling departments. Alongside them, India has two wrist-spinning match-winners, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, who could prove lethal on sluggish surfaces. Given their recent team selection trends, India is likely to deploy a three-seamer, three-spinner combination to strike the right balance.
Winning their opening match was like a calk walk for India.
In-form Shubman Gill played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 101 to steer India to a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His composed innings anchored India’s chase on a tricky pitch, ensuring they reached the 229-run target with 21 balls to spare.
Earlier, pace ace Mohammed Shami set the tone for India’s dominance, delivering a sensational spell of 5-53. His fiery opening burst and later on Axar Patel’s Spin Web left Bangladesh struggling at 35-5 before they managed a modest total of 228 after electing to bat first.
India started their chase on a strong note, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill attacking the opposition bowlers early on. During his innings, Rohit achieved a significant milestone, becoming only the 10th batsman—and the fourth from India—to surpass 11,000 runs in ODIs.
With this victory, India showcased their depth and resilience, making a strong statement as they progress in the tournament.
“With the bat, yes, we were under pressure a bit,” India’s skipper Rohit Sharma admitted. “But when you are playing a game like this, you are bound to be under pressure.”
While India dominated their first game against Bangladesh, Their Arch Rivals and the Host Nation had a terrible day in their opening game in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Will Young struck 107 and Tom Latham smashed an unbeaten 118 to help New Zealand overcome a sluggish start on Wednesday and post a commanding 320-5 after being put into bat.
Glenn Phillips chipped in with a brisk 61 as New Zealand breached the 300 mark, which had looked like a distant dream after their wobbly start.
Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs with Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) scoring half-centuries, but the hosts never looked in the hunt.
Santner and Will O’Rourke both claimed three wickets for the Kiwis while even a cameo from Pakistan number seven Khushdil Shah, with 69 off 49, came too late after the hosts struggled with a sluggish start.
As both the teams had a complete different results in their opening game, yet you can’t take any team out of the contest when the match is played between both the Arch Rivals.
India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Team Squads
India’s Squad:
- Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
Pakistan’s Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
What Experts Have To Say About India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match?
As the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, cricket experts worldwide are offering their predictions. While a majority, including former England skipper Nasser Hussain, back India as the firm favorites, some believe Pakistan could pull off an upset.
Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir is among those who see Pakistan having the upper hand. He cites their recent series wins against top teams like Australia and South Africa as proof of their growing confidence. Amir acknowledges India’s historical dominance in ICC tournaments but suggests that recent setbacks may have put the team under added pressure. Additionally, he raises concerns about the fitness of India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, which could impact their bowling strength.
With both teams bringing world-class talent and a history of intense rivalry, this clash is set to be one of the most electrifying encounters in cricket history. Fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see whether India lives up to its billing as the favorite or if Pakistan can script another unforgettable victory.
India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Key Players to Watch
Both teams boast a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, making this contest even more unpredictable.
Pakistan’s Key Players:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – Leading the pace attack with deadly precision.
- Mohammad Rizwan – A reliable force in the middle order.
- Salman Ali Agha – Adding depth to Pakistan’s batting.
- Concerns: Babar Azam’s form and Fakhar Zaman’s consistency remain key talking points.
India’s Key Players:
- Rohit Sharma – India’s seasoned opener and captain.
- Virat Kohli – A game-changer with match-winning capabilities.
- Ravindra Jadeja & Kuldeep Yadav – Spin maestros, crucial for slower pitches.
- Injury Concern: Jasprit Bumrah’s absence due to back issues may impact India’s pace attack.
Also Read Why India Won’t Play Cricket in Pakistan? The Real Reasons Behind the Decision
India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tickets – Where & How to Buy
Tickets for this historic clash are in high demand! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tickets went on sale on February 3, 2025, with prices as follows:
- General Stand: AED 500
- Premium Packages: AED 1,250 – AED 2,750
Fans are advised to book their tickets early to avoid missing out on this cricketing spectacle.
India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match Day Tips for Fans Attending in Dubai
- Arrive Early: Security checks and queues may take time. Reach at least 1-2 hours before the match.
- Stay Hydrated: Dubai’s climate can be warm. Carry a water bottle to stay refreshed.
- Know the Restrictions: Avoid carrying outside food, large bags, and professional cameras, as these are prohibited.
- Use Public Transport: With limited parking, taking the Dubai Metro or a taxi is the best option.
- Best Travel Option: Consider a luxury car rental for a smooth experience in Dubai.
India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Who Will Win?
Predicting the winner of an India vs Pakistan match is never easy. With world-class players, unpredictable conditions, and immense pressure, anything can happen! One thing is certain—this match will be an unforgettable showdown for cricket fans everywhere.
Get your jerseys ready, grab your tickets, and prepare for one of the most thrilling clashes in cricket history!
This article has perfectly captured the essence of the India-Pakistan rivalry in cricket. The analysis of both teams strengths and weaknesses is spot on, and the prediction of a thrilling match is undeniable. Can’t wait to see these two giants clash on the field #INDvPAK #ICCChampionsTrophy2025
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