ꦜWith the tournament just around the corner, the ICC has identified five bowlers who could be game-changers in the competition. Let’s take a look at these standout performers
The countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is officially on, with the tournament set to begin on February 19. Defending champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opener at the National Stadium in Karachi, marking the country's first time hosting an ICC event in nearly three decades. (More Cricket News)
ﷺWith Pakistan’s typically flat pitches set to encourage high-scoring matches, the role of bowlers will be even more crucial.
🐬Meanwhile, India will play all their matches in Dubai, where pacers traditionally find assistance with bounce and movement. However, with fresh pitches in use, spinners, especially those who operate at a quicker pace, could also play a key role.
With the tournament just around the corner, the ICC ♑has identified five bowlers who could be game-changers in the competition. Let’s take a look at these standout performers.
Veteran Indian seamer Mohammed Shami is set to return to lead India’s pace attack. The 34-year-old is coming off a recent injury layoff but made his comeback in the white-ball series against England. Despite a slow return, Indian captain Rohit Sharma 🥀has placed his trust in Shami’s big-game experience.
Shami’s pedigree in ICC events is unquestionable. He was the top wicket-taker at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, claiming 24 wickets at a remarkable average of 10.70. With Jasprit Bumrah 🦋absent from the Champions Trophy, Shami’s role in leading the Indian pace attack will be crucial in their campaign.
💧Pakistan’s pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead their title defence in home conditions. The left-arm quick, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, will be a key asset on Pakistan’s surfaces, which typically favour fast bowlers in the early stages of the innings.
📖Afridi had an outstanding 2024, finishing as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs. His contributions were instrumental in Pakistan’s historic series wins in Australia and South Africa.
🦹He also ended the recent home tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa as the joint-leading wicket-taker. If Pakistan is to successfully defend their crown, Afridi’s impact with the ball will be pivotal.
🌞Australia’s premier leg-spinner Adam Zampa has consistently delivered on the big stage. He played a crucial role in Australia’s 2023 Cricket World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Shami, with 23 wickets in 11 matches.
𝄹Zampa, Australia’s second-most successful ODI spinner after the legendary Shane Warne, has 181 wickets to his name at an average of 28.56. His ability to generate sharp turns and deceive batters with his variations will be key for Australia, especially on subcontinent pitches that tend to assist spinners as the tournament progresses.
ဣAfghanistan’s spin maestro Rashid Khan will be one of the most exciting bowlers to watch in the Champions Trophy, as his team prepares for its maiden appearance in the tournament. With years of experience in franchise leagues worldwide, Rashid is no stranger to conditions in Pakistan and the UAE.
ﷺHe was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup and played a starring role in their historic semi-final run at last year’s T20 World Cup, claiming 14 wickets in eight matches. His ability to control the middle-overs and provide breakthroughs will be vital to Afghanistan’s success.
🥂South African speedster Kagiso Rabada will be a major threat with the ball, especially in pace-friendly conditions. With Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins missing from the tournament, Rabada is expected to be one of the premier fast bowlers on display.
♓Renowned for his raw pace and ability to maintain a disciplined line and length, Rabada has been a key figure in South Africa’s consistent performances at ICC events in recent years.
🤪If the Proteas are to end their trophy drought - having last won an ICC event at the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998 - Rabada will need to lead from the front.