As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has shared his predictions for the top four teams likely to reach the semifinals. The prestigious event, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, is scheduled to begin next week, with cricketing giants battling for supremacy.
India and Pakistan among Kevin Pietersen’s favourites
During a recent interview with Star Sports, Pietersen confidently named India and Pakistan as two of the strongest contenders for the tournament. Given their rich history in ODI cricket and their formidable line-ups, the two arch-rivals are expected to be key players in the race for the title.
However, in a surprising revelation, Pietersen ruled out Australia as potential semi-finalists following Mitchell Starc’s withdrawal. Instead, he backed South Africa and New Zealand to complete the final four.
“I mean, this is so hard. It really is. But with Mitchell Starc pulling out, I’m gonna say India, Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand,” said Pietersen.
Starc’s absence comes as a major blow to Australia, who will now be without their famed pace trio in the tournament. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had already opted out due to injury concerns, further weakening the World Champions’ chances of lifting the Champions Trophy.
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Pakistan to begin the tournament against New Zealand
Hosts Pakistan will play the tournament opener against New Zealand at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19.
The much-awaited India versus Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai, a match that is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the competition.
Pakistan registered a dominant victory over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, and now, after an eight-year hiatus, the tournament is making its return.
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