From February 19 onwards, all eight teams will compete for the Champions Trophy 2025. India recently won the 2024 T20 World Cup, whereas Australia took home the previous 50-over championship at the 2023 World Cup. Although the tournament is being held in their own country, Pakistan, the hosts, appear to be taking a firm stance and will have an advantage.
According to Michael Clarke, a former cricket player for Australia, Rohit Sharma will be the top run scorer in CT 2025 as the heat builds.
Besides this, the former captain of Australia also picked the tournament’s semi-finalists, finalists, and champion. Surprisingly, he thinks India will win the trophy and has not backed Australia to win the forthcoming 50-over competition.
India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand are the four teams that I rank highest. My prediction is that Australia will be among the finals, and I’m crossing my fingers for them. They will, I believe, play India in the championship match. In the final, I believe India will defeat Australia. That simply popped out of my mouth, and I can’t believe it,” Clarke added.
Here’s the video of Clarke’s Champions Trophy Prediction:
Complete Champions Trophy 2025 schedule
| Date | Matches | Group | Time | Venue |
| February 19 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Group A | 2:30 PM IST | National Stadium, Karachi |
| February 20 | India vs Bangladesh | Group A | 2:30 PM IST | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Group B | 2:30 PM IST | National Stadium, Karachi |
| February 22 | Australia vs England | Group B | 2:30 PM IST | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| February 23 | India vs Pakistan | Group A | 2:30 PM IST | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 24 | Bangladesh vs New Zealand | Group A | 2:30 PM IST | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| February 25 | Australia vs South Africa | Group B | 2:30 PM IST | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| February 26 | Afghanistan vs England | Group B | 2:30 PM IST | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| February 27 | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Group A | 2:30 PM IST | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| February 28 | Australia vs Afghanistan | Group B | 2:30 PM IST | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| March 1 | England vs South Africa | Group B | 2:30 PM IST | National Stadium, Karachi |
| March 2 | India vs New Zealand | Group A | 2:30 PM IST | Dubai International Stadium |
| March 4 | TBD | Semifinal 1 | 2:30 PM IST | Dubai International Stadium |
| March 5 | TBD | Semifinal 2 | 2:30 PM IST | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| March 9 | TBD | Final | 2:30 PM IST | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai International Stadium |
India
