The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19. After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy returns, with its last edition held in 2017 in England. Known as one of the most challenging ICC tournaments, it sees the top eight ODI teams compete, ensuring no easy matches for any side.
The tournament will begin in Karachi on February 19, 2025, and will culminate with the final on March 9, either in Lahore or Dubai (if India qualifies). The competition will feature eight teams split into two groups: Group A consists of hosts Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
With all teams having announced their squads, let’s take a closer look at the wicket-keepers for each participating nation.
India
The Indian Cricket Team has selected KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as their wicket-keeping options for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rahul impressed everyone with his performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, scoring 452 runs. Rishabh Pant has been included as an X-factor in the squad. Rahul is expected to start, but Pant could be called up in case of an injury or to play as a specialist batsman.
Pakistan
Captain Mohammad Rizwan will handle wicket-keeping duties for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rizwan has been Pakistan’s best limited-overs batsman in recent years. He was in superb form during the Pakistan Tri-Series game against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 122 to help Pakistan chase down 352 in Karachi.
Australia
Alex Carey and Josh Inglis will travel to Pakistan as Australia’s wicket-keeping options for the Champions Trophy 2025. Both were part of Australia’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2023. Carey started the tournament but was later replaced by Inglis, who displayed strong form. Both performed well in Australia’s recent Test series against Sri Lanka and are expected to start, especially with key players like Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis absent from the batting lineup.
England
Phil Salt will take on wicket-keeping duties for England in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Captain Jos Buttler is likely to play as a specialist batsman due to persistent injuries over the last two years. Salt had a promising series against India but couldn’t convert starts into big scores. England will be hoping for significant runs from him in the tournament.
South Africa
South Africa has been consistent in recent ICC tournaments, reaching the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and performing well in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Tristian Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen have been chosen as wicket-keeping options for the Champions Trophy 2025. Klaasen is expected to be the first-choice keeper, with both players featuring in South Africa’s strongest XI.
New Zealand
New Zealand has multiple wicket-keeping options, with Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Devon Conway in the squad. Captain Latham is set to keep wickets, while Phillips will contribute as an all-rounder with his off-spin bowling.
Afghanistan
Considered dark horses for the tournament, Afghanistan has named Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Akhil as their wicket-keeping options. Gurbaz was consistently impressive in ODI cricket in 2023, helping Afghanistan secure series victories over Bangladesh and South Africa. Akhil is expected to be on the bench early in the tournament.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has named Mushfiqur Rahim as their wicket-keeper for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 37-year-old veteran has played 272 ODIs, scoring 7793 runs at an average of 37. Rahim’s experience will be crucial for Bangladesh, especially with Shakib Al Hasan missing from the squad.