The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off in Pakistan and the UAE, marking the return of this prestigious tournament after an eight-year hiatus. With Pakistan hosting a major ICC event after a gap of 29 years, the festivities are at an all-time high.
8 top international teams will be vying to battle it out over a course of 20 days and 15 matches to be crowned as the Champions Trophy winners and don the iconic white jackets.
With the cricketing world abuzz and no clear winner in sight, ProSports conducted a survey involving some of the most respected cricket experts globally to predict the semi-finalists for Champions Trophy 2025.
The panel included renowned analysts, commentators, and journalists such as Bazid Khan, Rashid Latif, Dr. Nauman Niaz, Aatif Nawaz, and Jarrod Kimber, among others. Their predictions provide fascinating insights into the teams likely to dominate the tournament.
About the Experts
The panel included some of the most respected voices in cricket:
- Bazid Khan: A former Pakistan cricketer and now a prominent commentator, Bazid comes from a legendary cricketing family.
- Rashid Latif: Former Pakistan captain and a world-renowned cricket expert who has a keen eye on everything related to the sport.
- Dr. Nauman Niaz: A celebrated cricket historian and broadcaster, known for his in-depth analysis.
- Jarrod Kimber: A globally recognized cricket writer and filmmaker, known for his sharp insights.
- Estelle Vasudevan: A leading voice in Sri Lankan cricket journalism.
- Andrew Miller: A veteran cricket journalist and editor, with decades of experience covering the sport globally.
- Aatif Nawaz: A British-Pakistani comedian and cricket commentator, celebrated for his humorous yet astute take on the game.
- Mohammad Isam: A Bangladeshi cricket journalist for ESPNcricinfo, recognized for his deep knowledge of Bangladesh cricket.
- Andrew Fidel Fernando: A Sri Lankan cricket writer and author, renowned for his vivid and insightful match reports.
- Danyal Rasool: A senior writer at ESPNcricinfo, known for his eloquent storytelling and coverage of Pakistan cricket
- Will Macpherson: A cricket correspondent for UK publications, offering sharp commentary on England and international cricket.
- Avanish Hegde: An Indian cricket writer and presenter, known for his engaging coverage of Indian and global cricket.
- Behram Qazi: ProSports’ Cricket Correspondent. Cricket writer and analyst with a keen eye for stats and trends in the modern game.
- Saad Nasir: Head of ProSports. A cricket analyst, writer and editor, specializing in in-depth analysis of Pakistan and global cricket.
Their collective expertise ensures that these predictions are not just speculative but grounded in a deep understanding of the game.
Key Takeaways from the Predictions
-
India and South Africa Lead the Pack
India and South Africa emerged as the most consistent picks, with nearly all experts including them in their top four. India’s strong batting lineup and South Africa’s balanced squad make them favorites to progress deep into the tournament. -
Pakistan’s Home Advantage
Pakistan, the defending champions, received significant backing, especially from experts like Bazid Khan and Dr. Nauman Niaz. Playing on home soil could give them a crucial edge, particularly in conditions that suit their bowlers. -
New Zealand’s Consistency
Known for their ability to punch above their weight in ICC tournaments, New Zealand was a popular choice among the panel. Their disciplined approach and experienced core make them a formidable contender. -
Afghanistan’s Rising Star
Afghanistan’s inclusion in several predictions highlights their growing stature in international cricket. With world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and a fearless batting lineup, they are seen as potential dark horses. -
England and Australia’s Mixed Support
England, the 2019 World Cup winners, received moderate backing, while Australia, surprisingly, was only included by Behram Qazi. This reflects the unpredictability of their recent performances in ODI cricket.
The Experts and Their Predictions
The panel of experts featured a mix of former cricketers, seasoned journalists, and analysts, each bringing their unique perspective to the table. Here’s a breakdown of their predictions:
| Expert | Semi-Finalists |
| Bazid Khan | Pakistan, India, England, Afghanistan |
| Rashid Latif | New Zealand, India, England, South Africa |
| Dr. Nauman Niaz | Pakistan, India, England, South Africa |
| Aatif Nawaz | New Zealand, India, England, Afghanistan |
| Mohammad Isam | Pakistan, India, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Jarrod Kimber | Pakistan, India, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Estelle Vasudevan | New Zealand, India, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Andrew Fidel Fernando | Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Avanish Hegde | Pakistan, India, England, South Africa |
| Will Macpherson | New Zealand, India, England, South Africa |
| Andrew Miller | Pakistan, India, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Danyal Rasool | New Zealand, India, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Saad Nasir | New Zealand, India, South Africa, Afghanistan |
| Behram Qazi | New Zealand, India, South Africa, Australia |
| Teams | Picked |
| Afghanistan | 9/14 |
| Australia | 1/14 |
| Bangladesh | 0/14 |
| England | 6/14 |
| India | 13/14 |
| New Zealand | 8/14 |
| Pakistan | 7/14 |
| South Africa | 12/14 |
As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the excitement among fans and experts alike is palpable. While predictions provide a glimpse into potential outcomes, the beauty of cricket lies in its unpredictability. Will the favourites live up to expectations, or will an underdog script a fairy-tale run? Only time will tell. For now, all eyes are on Pakistan and the UAE as they prepare to host one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments.
Stay updated with all things Champions Trophy 2025 on ProSports!
