LAHORE: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has tipped Australia and India as the finalists of the Champions Trophy 2025 edition.
The eight nations mega tournament will start on Feb 19. The tournament opener match will be held between New Zealand and Pakistan at Karachi Stadium.
Justifying his picks, Ponting highlighted the wealth of talent in both teams and their consistent appearances in the final stages of ICC tournaments.
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“It’s hard to go past India and Australia again,” Ponting remarked. “Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now, and you look back in recent history when these big finals and big ICC events have come around, and inevitably, Australia and India are there somewhere.”
The grand opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Lahore on February 16. Pakistan is hosting the ICC event after 28 years.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the renovated Gaddafi Stadium on February 7. He will also attend the ICC Champions Trophy opening ceremony, scheduled for the same day.
The renovated National Stadium Karachi will hold its ceremony on February 11. President Asif Zardari will attend the ceremony as chief guest.
Pakistan will play the opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
