Mohammed Shami's Journey Back to Cricket
The 2025 edition is the 9th edition of the tournament, being co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, with Pakistan aiming to defend their title. Australia and India are the most successful teams in the tournament's history, having won the title twice each. Shami's journey back to cricket is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, and his contribution to the team will be crucial in the upcoming matches.
Mohammed Shami has opened up about his challenging year-long rehabilitation journey after being sidelined by injuries and surgery, comparing his comeback to a toddler learning how to walk. Shami's motivation to play for India kept him going, and he has now rejoined the white-ball squad, with a crucial role to play in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and the UAE, with India playing its matches in the UAE due to geopolitical tensions. The tournament will feature 8 teams, including Pakistan, and will follow a format where teams are divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. Shami's return to the team is a significant boost, especially after Jasprit Bumrah's injury.
The tournament has already begun, with Pakistan losing to New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening match. The hosts are competing in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. The top 2 teams in each group will progress to the semi-finals based on points, with tie-breakers using the number of wins and net run rate if necessary.
With a prize money of $6.9 million, the winning team will receive $2.24 million. The tournament will be streamed live on JioHotstar in India, and tickets can be purchased on the official ICC website. India has won the Champions Trophy twice, in 2002 and 2013, and has the record for the most ICC Champions Trophy wins. Shami's comeback and the team's performance will be closely watched as they aim to bring home the trophy.
