Champions Trophy 2025: Rating squads of each team

Champions Trophy 2025: Rating squads of each team
(Photo Source- ICC)

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy 2025 gets underway on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. These two teams are placed in Group A alongside India and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Group B comprises England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

The Champions Trophy is returning for the first time since 2017. Pakistan are the defending champions as they beat India in the finals at The Oval by 180 runs. The upcoming edition will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. India are going to play their matches in Dubai.

Teams have assembled strong squads in a bid to win the marquee event. With just over one week left before the start of the tournament, CricTracker rates all the eight squads that will be competing for the coveted prize.

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025: X-Factor players of each team

8. Bangladesh – 6/10

Bangladesh started 2024 on a promising note as they defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 in a three-match ODI series. However, they have not managed to win an ODI series since then. The Bangla Tigers suffered a 1-2 defeat against Afghanistan in Sharjah in November 2024. They were subsequently whitewashed in a three-match series in St Kitts by the West Indies.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to lead the senior Bangladesh side for the first time in a 50-over ICC event. While there are some talented youngsters like Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Nahid Rana, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the ranks, the absence of veterans like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal causes massive dents. Other senior players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Mustafizur Rahman will have to step up and guide the youngsters.

7. Afghanistan – 6.5/10

Afghanistan shocked the cricket fraternity by reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup last year. The Blue Tigers have taken massive strides in the white-ball formats in recent times. After the win against Bangladesh, Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in an ODI series in Harare. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side also beat South Africa 2-1 in a three-match ODI series just before their face-off against Bangladesh.

The debutants have assembled a well-balanced side for the global event. Spin has always been their strength and Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad are expected to play key roles. AM Ghazanfar could also be used as he is still fairly new to world cricket and can bamboozle batters who haven’t faced him before. The in-form Fazalhaq Farooqi will be leading the seam-bowling attack. The onus will be on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to get the team off to solid starts with the bat.

6. Pakistan – 7/10

Pakistan have not been at their best in ICC events in recent times. In the ODI World Cup in 2023 and the T20 World Cup in 2024, the Men in Green failed to progress to the knockouts. However, playing in front of their home fans could help them rediscover their form in multi-nation tournaments.

Mohammad Rizwan is going to lead Pakistan in an ICC event for the first time. He has an experienced side at his disposal with some talented youngsters also in the mix. However, some experts including the legendary Wasim Akram expressed their concerns after seeing just one specialist spinner – Abrar Ahmed – in the side. Also, Babar Azam’s indifferent form will give Pakistan fans sleepless nights heading into the eight-team tournament. Saim Ayub’s absence due to an injury is also a huge miss for the reigning champions.

5. England – 7.5/10

England are going through a transition phase with experienced players like Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Ben Stokes, making way. Last year, the Three Lions lost an ODI series to Australia at home (2-3) and another to the West Indies (1-2) in the Caribbean. They are currently playing a three-match ODI series against India, where they are trailing 0-2.

Captain Jos Buttler will have to inspire his troops ahead of the Champions Trophy. England have a lot of firepower in the batting department but they haven’t been able to play well as a unit. The bowling department also has a lot of variety but they haven’t delivered in crucial instances.

4. New Zealand – 8/10

New Zealand will be confident about their chances of doing well in the Champions Trophy after wins against Pakistan and South Africa in the ongoing Tri-Nation series. The Kiwis have been one of the most consistent teams in ICC events over the years. They made it to the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup in 2023. However, they couldn’t progress beyond the group stage in the T20 World Cup.

New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner in the Champions Trophy. The Blackcaps have great depth in their squad with the presence of several all-rounders. Apart from Santner, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra are the spin-bowling all-rounders in the squad and they can come in handy in Asian conditions. Lockie Ferguson’s hamstring injury will be monitored closely but the likes of Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke have the skills required to keep the batters on their toes. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have returned to form and this will give New Zealand a lot of confidence.

3. South Africa – 8.5/10

South Africa reached the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup in 2023 and finals of the T20 World Cup in 2024. They will look to go the distance in the Champions Trophy. South Africa have not played too many series with full-strength squads after the T20 World Cup. They will be missing the services of some of their most potent pacers like Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee. However, the resources in hand can take the Proteas a long way.

South Africa have a fantastic batting lineup, with Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller expected to form the top six. Kagiso Rabada is going to spearhead the bowling attack, with Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen for company. In Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, South Africa have two very experienced tweakers who can thrive in spin-friendly conditions.

2. India – 9/10

India only played three ODIs in 2024. All three of them were played against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The Men in Blue lost two out of those games and tied one. However, the 2023 ODI World Cup finalists have returned to form in the 50-over format, beating England in back-to-back matches in the ongoing three-match series at home.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir loves fielding multiple spin-bowling all-rounders in his side. Ravindra Jadeja is batting at No. 8 against England and this shows the amount of depth in India’s batting lineup. Their only concern revolves around the fitness status of Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Shami is slowly hitting his straps after recovering from a major injury and Indian fans will want him to bring his A-game to the fore during the Champions Trophy.

1. Australia – 9.5/10

Defending ODI World Cup champions Australia are one of the top contenders to win the tournament. The Men in Yellow have all bases covered and the experience in the side is remarkable. Skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Steve Smith could lead the side in his absence. Interestingly, Smith captained Australia during the previous Champions Trophy.

Australia will be without all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis. Aaron Hardie will play the role of a seam-bowling all-rounder but he doesn’t have too much experience on the international stage. Josh Hazlewood will also miss the tournament due to an injury but this will allow Nathan Ellis to showcase his skills on the global scene. The latter’s skill sets are completely different to that of the former. Ellis is known for his variety and execution in the death overs and that could come in handy for Australia.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

habiba sultana

See Full Bio