After a gap of eight years, the ICC Champions Trophy is set to return in a hybrid format with Pakistan and the UAE hosting games between February 19 and March 9, 2025.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four each. A total of 12 group-stage matches will be played, followed by the semifinals and final.
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Here are five bowlers to look forward to during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Brydon Carse
Another England international born in South Africa, Brydon Carse has impressed with his hit-the-deck bowling, which will be effective during the middle overs. The 29-year-old has taken 23 wickets in 19 ODIs since an impressive debut series against Pakistan. His ability to strike the ball powerfully at the death will be an added bonus for the Jos Buttler-led side.
Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa has been one of Australia’s best bowlers in the ODI format. The leg-spinner finished as the second-highest wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup with 21 wickets. The spinner will play a key role in subcontinent conditions and will be a perfect foil to Australia’s rather inexperienced pace attack.
Will O’Rourke
With his high point of release and the ability to move the ball off the pitch, Will O’Rourke can be a handful on any surface. The New Zealand pacer has 14 wickets from nine ODIs. He could be a key player for the team as it looks to transition into the post-Tim Southee and Trent Boult era.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi will be crucial to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defence on home soil. His left-arm pace, swing, and variety strengthen Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. Coming off a strong 2024, Afridi was Pakistan’s leading ODI wicket-taker, playing key roles in historic series wins over Australia and South Africa. He also shared the lead as the top wicket-taker in the recent home Tri-Nation series against New Zealand and South Africa. Much of Pakistan’s bowling success will depend on how they utilise Afridi’s skills.
Arshdeep Singh
India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is has played only nine ODIs for the country but will have a crucial role in the upcoming tournament. The pacer’s ability to bowl at the death helped him edge out Mohammed Siraj for a place in the Champions Trophy squad. India will hope for early breakthroughs in the PowerPlay from the left-armer, especially with Jasprit Bumrah missing out due to injury.
