Dubai: After an eight-year-long wait, the ICC Champions Trophy is finally set to take place in Pakistan on February 19. Eight teams will compete for the glittering trophy, with Pakistan hosting the tournament for the first time. The opening match will feature the host team, Pakistan, against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium.
The tournament will consist of 15 matches in total, with teams preparing rigorously for the event. India will play all of its matches in Dubai.
“5 Rising Stars Set to Shine in Champions Trophy 2025 and ready to prove their mettle”
While established stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Babar Azam will showcase their talents, some emerging players will also make their Champions Trophy debut, drawing significant attention.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has identified 5 Rising Stars Set to Shine in Champions Trophy 2025 and ready to prove their mettle in the tournament, and from whom fans and teams alike have high expectations.
1. Shubman Gill (India)
India’s top-order batter and vice-captain, Shubman Gill, is regarded as the future star of Indian cricket. In his relatively short international career, he has consistently delivered impressive performances.
Gill has scored over 2,500 runs in 50 ODI matches with a remarkable average of 60.16, including a career-best score of 208.
During the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, he amassed 354 runs, with a top score of 92. Recently, in the ODI series against England, Gill scored two half-centuries and a century, finishing as the Player of the Series with 259 runs. His presence will undoubtedly strengthen India’s top order in the Champions Trophy 2025.
2. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s young all-rounder, Rachin Ravindra, has made a significant impact in international cricket with his exceptional performances. As an aggressive top-order batter and a left-arm spinner, Ravindra has become a key player for the Black Caps.
He has scored 970 runs in 29 ODIs, including three centuries, and has also claimed 18 wickets.
In the 2023 World Cup, Ravindra was New Zealand’s top scorer with 578 runs at an average of 64.22. His recent innings of 79 runs against Sri Lanka further showcased his potential. Ravindra is expected to be a crucial player for New Zealand in the upcoming tournament.
3. Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)
At just 20 years old, Noor Ahmad has established himself as one of Afghanistan’s top spinners. The left-arm wrist spinner has become a valuable asset for the team.
Ahmad has taken nine wickets in just 10 ODI appearances.
During the 2023 World Cup, he played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s historic victory over Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 49 runs, including the dismissals of experienced batters like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Recently, Noor impressed in the South African T20 league by taking 13 wickets in nine matches. His skills and temperament make him a key player for Afghanistan, potentially following in the footsteps of Rashid Khan.
4. Naseem Shah (Pakistan)
Naseem Shah has rapidly become one of Pakistan’s most exciting fast-bowling prospects. With his pace and accuracy, he has carved a niche for himself in international cricket.
In 23 ODIs, Naseem has claimed 45 wickets, with his best bowling figures being 5 wickets for 33 runs.
He made headlines early in his career by taking five wickets in just his second Test match against Sri Lanka and becoming the youngest player to take a Test hat-trick.
In the Champions Trophy 2025, Naseem’s partnership with Shaheen Afridi could be a nightmare for opposition batters.
5. Harry Brook (England)
Harry Brook joined the England team in 2022 and quickly gained recognition as a dynamic batter. In just his second ODI against South Africa, he scored 80 runs off 75 balls.
Brook has also delivered outstanding performances in Test cricket, particularly against Pakistan.
In the 2023 World Cup, he scored 169 runs with a strike rate of 112.66, followed by 145 runs at an average of 72.50 in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With 769 runs in 23 ODIs, Brook is one of England’s most promising talents and will be looking to cement his place among the country’s top batters in the Champions Trophy 2025.
The upcoming tournament promises thrilling performances, and these five rising stars are expected to shine on cricket’s grand stage.
