Pakistani dough Fakhar Zaman revealed his picks for the semi-finalists ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After months of speculation, International Cricket Council (ICC) has resolved the uncertainty surrounding the household by confirming that the tournament will be held over Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The eight-team competition, played in a 50-over format, will feature 15 matches. Significantly England they are the only nation that has announced their lineup so far.
Champions Trophy 2025: host and venue details
India’s 2025 Champions Trophy matches shifted to Dubai due to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)decision not to send his team to Pakistan, citing security reasons.
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while they are in group B AustraliaEngland, South Africa and Afghanistan. Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will host the group stage matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will serve as the venue for the knockout stage, including both semi-finals and the final. If India qualify for the final, the match will be played in Dubai, with spare days for both the semi-finals and the final to avoid disruption due to weather.
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Fakhar Zaman semi-finalists
Speaking on Basit Ali’s YouTube channel, Fakhar expressed confidence that the teams from the subcontinent will secure a place in the final four. Despite great sides like New Zealand, England and Australia, Fakhar included South Africa in his list of semi-finalists.
“Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and South Africa are the teams I believe will reach the semi-finals,” Fakhar stated.
Zaman’s memorable performance in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where he scored a convincing victory against arch-rivals India, remains the defining moment of his career. His knock secured Pakistan’s first win in the Champions Trophy and Fakhar was subsequently named man of the match.
READ ALSO: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi predicts his four Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finalists.
