The ICC Champions Trophy is making its long-awaited return for the first time since 2017, with the prestigious cricket tournament beginning on February 19. The hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium, while India will start their campaign in Dubai on February 20 against Bangladesh. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash will be on February 23. The two-time champions, the Men in Blue, lost to Pakistan by 180 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.

The Champions Trophy format has remained unchanged since 2006, with the eight teams divided into two groups of four, each playing against the others in its group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners facing off in the final. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A consists of Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The prize money for the tournament has seen a significant increase, with the winning team set to take home $2.24 million, while the runners-up will earn $1.12 million.

The Dubai leg of the Champions Trophy will be a significant one, with at least four of the tournament’s 15 matches to be played in Dubai, including India’s league matches, one of them against Pakistan. The Dubai matches are really a tournament within a tournament, the India leg of an event being hosted by Pakistan. The team has been training at the ICC academy, with spinners being a key part of their squad. The weather in Dubai, with a drizzle and mostly overcast skies, may not be ideal for cricket, but it also reduces the chances of dew, something India may be wary of.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 selection was based on the 2023 Cricket World Cup standings, with Afghanistan making history by qualifying for the first time after an impressive World Cup campaign. They defeated England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while West Indies failed to qualify for the tournament. The total prize pool for the tournament has reached an impressive $6.9 million, with each semi-finalist set to receive $560,000. The prize money for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy increased by $500,000 from the 2013 edition, reaching a total of $4.5 million.

In conclusion, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be an exciting tournament, with the top teams from around the world competing for the prestigious title. With the prize money details and the format of the tournament, fans can expect a thrilling competition. The Dubai leg of the tournament will be a significant one, with India’s campaign set to start on February 20. Fans can stay updated with all the action from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including the schedule, points table, and top performers. The tournament is set to be a grand spectacle, with the best teams and players from around the world competing for the top prize.