The build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up as the England and Australia cricket teams touch down in Pakistan ahead of the tournament’s start on February 19.
England’s Arrival and Squad Overview
The England cricket team arrived in Lahore, marking the start of their preparations for the eagerly awaited tournament, which will be held across four venues: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The squad, led by captain Jos Buttler, consists of 31 members, including players, coaching staff, and support personnel. Key figures like Brendon McCullum (head coach) and Robert Key (managing director) are also part of the contingent.
England is placed in Group B alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Australia. Their tournament will kick off with a high-stakes encounter against Australia on February 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. They will then take on Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore before finishing their group-stage fixtures with a match against South Africa on March 1 at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Despite a challenging India tour where they lost both T20I and ODI series, England is looking to rebound with a strong squad, including stars like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Joe Root. The team is full of potential, and the hope is to build momentum through their group matches in Pakistan and push for the knockout rounds.
Key Players and Squad Details
England’s squad is a dynamic mix of experience and youthful energy. Key players to watch include:
- Jos Buttler (captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Overton
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
- Liam Livingstone
- Saqib Mahmood
- Phil Salt
This diverse squad is well-equipped with both batting and bowling prowess, and they will be eager to prove themselves in the upcoming tournament.
Australia’s Arrival and Team Setup
Meanwhile, the Australian team also arrived in Lahore yesterday, split into two groups. The first group, which included captain Steve Smith, along with coaches and support staff, flew in from Colombo via Dubai. The second group, consisting of 15 players and two additional support staff members, followed the same route and reached Lahore later the same day.
Australia’s Squad and Tournament Outlook
Australia will face tough competition in Group B, and their squad is eager to perform after missing some key players due to injuries. With Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all absent, the team will rely on players like Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell to lead the charge.
The clash between England and Australia on February 22 promises to be an exciting spectacle, with both teams vying for supremacy early in the tournament.
England’s Fixtures for Champions Trophy 2025:
- February 22: England vs. Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- February 26: England vs. Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- March 1: England vs. South Africa, National Bank Stadium, Karachi
