There is a lot of buzz around the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.

Ahead of the showpiece event, the experts and former cricketers are sharing their predictions. The likes of Kevin Pietersen and Suresh Raina have named India, Pakistan as two of the favorites to make it to the Champions Trophy semi-finals.

Eight teams will compete for the coveted trophy. While India will play all their matches in Dubai, others will be primarily based in Pakistan, which would get to host its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.

“Pakistan who are hosting the tournament, India, England and I want to go Australia,” said Pietersen in a video released by Star Sports.

“India, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan,” Raina added in the same clip.

Other analysts also chimed in with predictions of their own. “My top four prediction for the Champions Trophy this season is going to be India, Pakistan, Australia and South Africa," former India opener Murali Vijay opined.

“India and New Zealand from our group, South Africa and Afghanistan from the other," Aakash Chopra claimed.

“South Africa, Australia, India and Pakistan are my top four," said former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar.

Deep Dasgupta had an perspective, stating, “From India’s group, I’d say India and Pakistan. From the other group, I was inclined to go Australia and South Africa. But, off-late, a lot of the SA bowlers have gone missing. So, I’m not too sure about them. Hence, I’m going to say Australia and England."

The marquee fixture of the Champions Trophy will take place on February 23 when India face Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

(with agency inputs)