Ricky Ponting, Ravi Shastri Predict Champions Trophy 2025 Finalists
Former cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri have predicted that two former champion teams will reach the final of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan.
Ponting and Shastri made their bold predictions based on the recent performances of these teams in major tournaments. The duo shared their thoughts in a special episode of The ICC Review, hosted by Sanjana Ganesan.
Ricky Ponting, speaking on the episode, predicted that Australia and India would meet in the final. He said, “It’s hard to go past India and Australia again. Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now, and when you look back at recent history, whenever these big finals and ICC events come around, Australia and India are inevitably there.”
Ponting also highlighted Pakistan as a team to watch out for, citing their excellent recent form. “The other team that is playing some really good cricket at the moment is Pakistan. Their one-day cricket has been outstanding lately. They may not always be the most predictable team in big tournaments, but they seem to have sorted things out a little bit,” he concluded.
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, echoed Ponting’s sentiments, predicting India would make it all the way to the final. Shastri also named England and South Africa as other potential semi-finalists for the mega event.
The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy will feature 15 matches over 19 days, with games played in Pakistan and Dubai. In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will serve as the tournament venues. Each venue will host three group-stage matches, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.
The final will be held in Lahore on March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. The three group matches involving India, along with the first semi-final, will take place in Dubai.
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