Final countdown: Teams sharpen focus as Champions Trophy nears

Dubai: With just days to go until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, teams are making their final adjustments in a bid to hit the ground running. In Dubai, the Indian squad was in high spirits, pushing themselves through intense fielding drills, while in Lahore, Pakistan set the stage for the tournament with a grand opening ceremony at the historic Lahore Fort.

The much-anticipated event, returning for the first time since 2017, officially launched with a spectacular curtain-raiser hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Lahore Fort was illuminated in dazzling fashion, symbolising the excitement surrounding the tournament’s return. With Pakistan set to face New Zealand in the opener on February 19, the stage is now set for what promises to be a high-stakes competition.

The ICC Champions Trophy was officially launched at Dewan-e-Khas in Lahore Fort on Sunday, as per the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called it a “momentous occasion” for Pakistan, highlighting the tournament’s significance beyond just cricket.

“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will return to Pakistan for the first time in 29 years. This tournament is more than just cricket; it is an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s hospitality and passion,” Naqvi said at the event.

In Dubai, where India will play their matches, the squad is putting in final touches. Skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul rotated in the nets, while Rishabh Pant, dismissing any doubts about his fitness, struck the ball cleanly.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh faced a setback, falling to Pakistan Shaheen by seven wickets in a warm-up match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

While form in warm-up matches may not always be an indicator, a strong start can provide the momentum teams need. India’s Group A clash against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20 will set the tone for their campaign.

Debutants Afghanistan, placed alongside England, South Africa, and Australia, are also gearing up for their first Champions Trophy appearance.

Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, now 40, remains a key figure in the squad and says he still has unfinished business. Having recently led Fortune Barishal to the Bangladesh Premier League title, he returns to international duty, 16 years after featuring in Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI win against Scotland.

“I’m still thinking (about the future). These might not be my last ODIs. I will probably play fewer ODIs and give youngsters more opportunities to gain experience,” Nabi said.

“The preparations for the Champions Trophy have been good. I played in the Bangladesh Premier League and won the title. I had three training sessions with the national team in Abu Dhabi, so I’m in good shape.

“Winning the BPL gave me more confidence, especially coming from a tough position in the final. Throughout the tournament, we played really well, and my performances were good too, both in bowling and batting — I helped finish the job in four or five matches.

“I feel really good; it’s building confidence.”

With the countdown nearly over, teams are gearing up for the battles ahead. The Champions Trophy brings together the best in the world, and early performances could set the course for the rest of the tournament. From Pakistan’s grand welcome to India’s intense training sessions and Afghanistan’s rising hopes, the competition is shaping up to be one to remember.