The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the tournament opener. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this competition, which promises to deliver high-intensity clashes between the best teams. As the countdown to the Champions Trophy begins, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates another thrilling chapter in the battle for ICC supremacy. Cricketing greats Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have shared their predictions for the finalists of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting picks the finalists
Shastri and Ponting have weighed in on the tournament’s likely finalists, both backing India and Australia to go the distance. Over the last decade, these two teams have built one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket, often meeting in high-stakes encounters. Their most recent ICC final clash came in the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Australia triumphed against the odds to clinch their record-extending sixth title.
Both India and Australia boast impressive records in the ICC Champions Trophy. Australia have won the title twice, in 2006 and 2009, under Ponting’s leadership. Meanwhile, India lifted the trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni, famously sharing the 2002 edition with Sri Lanka due to a rain-affected final. Their track record in ICC events, combined with their current squad depth, makes them favourites once again.
In a recent interview for The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, Ponting highlighted why India and Australia continue to dominate ICC tournaments. “It’s hard to go past India and Australia again… Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now, and you look back in recent history when these big finals and big ICC events have come around, and inevitably, Australia and India are there somewhere,” Ponting said. Shastri echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing both teams’ consistency in major tournaments. “India and Australia are both in prime form, and it would take a lot for any other team to challenge them,” Shastri stated.
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Dark horse in the Champions Trophy 2025
While Ponting strongly backed India and Australia, he also identified co-hosts Pakistan as a formidable contender for the Champions Trophy title. He pointed to their impressive performances in ODI cricket, particularly their dominant 3-0 series victory over South Africa, as evidence of their potential to challenge for the trophy. Pakistan have a history of unpredictability in major tournaments, often stepping up in crucial moments. With the advantage of playing in familiar home conditions, they could prove to be a significant threat to the tournament favorites.
“The other team that is playing some really good cricket at the moment is Pakistan. Their one-day cricket over the last little bit has been absolutely outstanding. We know they’re not always the most predictable team in those big tournaments, but they seem like they’ve sorted things out a little,” Ponting concluded.