How ICC Champions Trophy 2025 works: Format, rules & knockout stage explained
The ICC Champions Trophy returns after eight years, with defending champion Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
Initially launched in 1998 to support non-Test nations, early editions featured up to 12 teams.
Since 2009, only the top eight ICC-ranked teams participate. For 2025, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Bangladesh qualified, while past winners Sri Lanka and West Indies missed out.
ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 GROUPS
| Group A | Group B |
| Pakistan | Australia |
| India | England |
| New Zealand | South Africa |
| Bangladesh | Afghanistan |
ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 COMPETITION FORMAT & RULES
- In the group stage, each team will play every other team in its group once. Two points will awarded for a win, and in case a result is not possible, the teams will share a point each.
- The top two from each group will qualify for the semifinals. The team finishing first in each group will play the team finishing second in the other group. If India qualifies for the semifinal, it will play its last-four match in Dubai. If India does not qualify, both semifinals will be played in Pakistan.
- In case a semifinal ends in a tie, the winner will be decided by a Super Over. If a result is not possible in a semifinal (including reserve day), the team finishing higher in its group will advance to the final.
- If a final ends in a tie, the winner will be decided by a Super Over. If a result is not possible in the final (including reserve day), the teams will be declared joint winners.
