The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was an ODI tournament held from February 19 to March 9, featuring 8 teams across 15 matches. India won the tournament, defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final to claim their third Champions Trophy title. The tournament was hosted jointly by Pakistan and the UAE, with the final played in Dubai after logistical and political considerations led to India’s matches being played at a neutral venue. The Champions Trophy’s return after an eight-year absence, the last edition having been won by Pakistan in England in 2017, was one of the most anticipated ICC events in recent years.
The Champions Trophy occupies a unique position in cricket’s tournament calendar. It features only the top 8 ODI teams, making it smaller and more exclusive than the 50-over World Cup, with every match carrying genuine significance because there is no room for a weak result in a format where a single bad day can end a campaign. The tournament format of two groups of four followed by semi-finals and a final means that every team plays at least three matches, and the knockout stage arrives quickly enough that momentum from the group phase carries directly into the decisive matches.
India’s victory was built on the consistency of their batting lineup and the quality of their bowling attack. The tournament showcased why India have been the dominant force in ODI cricket over the past decade, with a squad that combines batting depth, pace bowling quality, and spin options that can adapt to any surface. New Zealand’s route to the final demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level in major tournaments, with a disciplined approach that overcame more fancied opponents in the semi-final.
The hosting arrangement generated significant discussion before the tournament began. Pakistan’s right to host the Champions Trophy was confirmed by the ICC, but India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for political reasons led to a hybrid model where India’s matches were played in Dubai. The arrangement was a diplomatic compromise that allowed the tournament to proceed, though it highlighted the ongoing geopolitical tensions that affect cricket scheduling in the subcontinent.
For international viewers, the timezone worked well. Pakistan Standard Time (PKT, UTC+5) meant day matches started at 14:30 PKT, translating to 09:30 GMT in London and 14:00 IST in India, comfortable afternoon viewing for both European and Asian audiences. Dubai matches (GST, UTC+4) started at 14:00 GST, which is 10:00 GMT and 15:30 IST. Evening matches pushed starts to 19:00 local, becoming 14:00 GMT and 19:30 IST, perfect for primetime viewing across the subcontinent. Check whatisthetime.now/country/pakistan for Pakistani time or whatisthetime.now/dubai for Dubai time.