WATCH: Suresh Raina, Kevin Pietersen and other experts pick their top four teams for Champions Trophy 2025

Suresh Raina and Kevin Pietersen (Photo Source: Star Sports)

The prestigious Champions Trophy 2025 is just a day away and the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to be played in Karachi, on February 19. The marquee event will feature eight of the best teams in cricket, divided into two groups. Notably, Group A will feature India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of teams like Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan, respectively.

Now ahead of the tournament, former England legend Kevin Pietersen and the 2011 World Cup-winning all rounder Suresh Raina predicted their surprising top four teams semi-finalists of the Champions Trophy. Besides them, the former India openers Murli Vijay and Aakash Chopra, ex-India coach Sanjay Bangar and the former India wicketkeeper-turned-commentator, Deep Dasgupta.

While Raina and Chopra surprised everyone by picking Afghanistan as the top four who are making their debut in the Champions Trophy, the others went for safe options. However, it was Deep Dasgupta’s top-four pick that was the highlight as he had at the last minute changed his last pick from South Africa to England due to injury woes the team has been facing.

Rich history of Champions Trophy

Speaking of the history of the tournament, the first time the tournament was introduced as the ICC Knockout trophy in 1998 which was won by South Africa. Australia and India are the only two teams to win two titles and the Aussies were the only team to defend their title winning consecutive titles in 2006 and 2009.

The last edition of the Champions Trophy was played in England and Wales in 2017. The tournament was won by Pakistan who beat arch-rivals India in the finals to win their maiden Champions Trophy title under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed.

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.