The 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will feature diverse preparation timelines for the eight competing teams. Each squad will follow distinct paths to gear up for the tournament, with some engaging in extensive ODI series while others have limited fixtures. This varied approach highlights the different strategies teams are adopting to fine-tune their skills and build momentum ahead of one of cricket’s most prestigious events. The contrasting schedules will add an extra layer of intrigue as teams prepare to vie for the title.
ODI Matches Left for The Eight Qualified Teams:
The eight teams set to compete will face a diverse schedule, with each team playing anywhere from three to 17 matches between August 8 and the 2025 Champions Trophy. This tournament is the second-most prestigious in the format, following the World Cup, and these varying schedules could significantly impact preparations and strategies as teams gear up for this major event.
Pakistan (16 or 17 ODIs)
Pakistan is the host country for the 2025 Champions trophy and has approximately 16 or 17 ODI matches in hand. Pakistan’s next ODI action isn’t until November when they head to Australia. They will then tour Zimbabwe in December, followed by a trip to South Africa, and then New Zealand in January. In February, Pakistan will host a triangular series with New Zealand and South Africa, featuring a double round-robin format leading to a final. Pakistan is set to play four or five ODIs during this series.
Afghanistan (6 or 9 ODIs)
Afghanistan had planned to host Bangladesh for a full tour in July, including three ODIs, but the tour was indefinitely postponed, leaving its rescheduling uncertain before the Champions Trophy. Afghanistan’s only confirmed ODIs ahead of the tournament were initially set for December in Zimbabwe. However, they will now ‘host’ South Africa for three ODIs in September, which might be their only confirmed games before the Champions Trophy, pending any rescheduling of the Bangladesh series.
Australia (8-11 ODIs)
Australia’s upcoming ODI schedule includes a tour of the British Isles in September, initially featuring eight matches—three in Ireland and five in England. However, the ODIs in Ireland have been postponed indefinitely, leaving the schedule uncertain. In November, Australia will host Pakistan for three more ODIs. The exact number of ODIs before the Champions Trophy remains unclear due to the indefinite postponement of the Ireland matches.
India (3 ODIs)
Following the Sri Lanka tour, India’s only remaining ODI fixtures before the Champions Trophy will be a three-match series against England in January. These matches will be crucial for India’s preparations, as they are the final opportunities to fine-tune the team and strategies ahead of the major tournament. The limited schedule places added pressure on the team to optimize performance and build momentum.
England (8 ODIs)
After hosting Australia for a five-match series, England will travel to India for three ODIs in January. These matches will serve as their final preparation before heading to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. This limited but crucial set of fixtures will be vital for England to sharpen their strategies and ensure they are in top form for the upcoming tournament.
New Zealand (13 or 14 ODIs)
New Zealand has the busiest schedule before the Champions Trophy, excluding Pakistan. They’ll play three ODIs in Sri Lanka in November, then host Sri Lanka and Pakistan for a three-match series in December and January. Following these series, they will participate in a triangular tournament in Pakistan with the hosts and South Africa. If they advance to the final, they’ll have an additional game to prepare for the Champions Trophy.
South Africa (10 or 11 ODIs)
South Africa’s schedule includes three ODIs against Afghanistan in the UAE this September, followed by another three ODIs at home against Pakistan in December. These six matches will be their sole official engagements until they participate in the tri-nation tournament in Pakistan.
Bangladesh (3 or 6 ODIs)
If Bangladesh’s postponed tour of Afghanistan, likely to be held in India or the UAE, is rescheduled, it could provide crucial match practice before the Champions Trophy. However, if the tour remains unconfirmed, Bangladesh’s only ODI preparation will be a three-match series in the West Indies this November.
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