ICC Champions Trophy to begin in Pakistan on February 19. Top eight men’s ODI teams competing for prestigious title. Teams are divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Group A includes hosts Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The 15-match tournament will be played over 19 days across Pakistan and the UAE. India will play all their matches in Dubai, including the semifinal and final, should they qualify. Defending champions Pakistan, led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, will look to defend their 2017 title. Australia will enter the tournament with a depleted squad, as several senior players have withdrawn. New Zealand’s squad saw a late change after pacer Ben Sears was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, with Jacob Duffy named as his replacement. Mitchell Santner, captaining the Kiwis in his first ICC tournament, will lead a squad that blends youth and experience. The onus will be on veteran pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, and young quick Nathan Smith to step up.
