ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Meet the Captains Leading the Charge

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable. This prestigious 19-day event, hosted by Pakistan, will feature eight cricketing nations battling for supremacy. Each team will be led by a captain who carries the hopes of their country, aiming to guide their side to glory. Let’s take a closer look at the eight leaders who will steer their teams in this high-stakes competition.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan): A Captain with Vision

Afghanistan’s charismatic captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, is determined to lead his team to greater heights in their first-ever Champions Trophy appearance. At 30, Shahidi has already inspired Afghanistan with their impressive run at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Riding on the back of a successful year in the ODI format, Shahidi is confident that Afghanistan has the talent to take on any opponent and make a mark on the world stage.

Steve Smith (Australia): The Experience of a World Champion

Australia’s interim captain, Steve Smith, steps into the role once again after a successful stint in 2017. Despite missing key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Smith’s leadership and experience remain invaluable to the Australian side. With the team fresh off a victory in the 2023 World Cup, Smith will look to lead Australia to their third Champions Trophy title, drawing on both his batting expertise and tactical knowledge.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh): A Young Captain with Big Dreams

At just 26, Nazmul Hossain Shanto has already proven himself as a leader for Bangladesh. This will be his third time leading the side in an ICC event, and he is full of confidence. Shanto believes that Bangladesh is capable of shocking the cricketing world and clinching their first-ever ICC title. He knows the challenges ahead but remains optimistic, aiming to lead his team through the tough competition to success.

Jos Buttler (England): A Champion Looking to Build on Past Success

Jos Buttler, England’s swashbuckling captain, is no stranger to success. Having led England to victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, Buttler enters his third Champions Trophy with high expectations. Despite England’s recent series loss in India, Buttler remains confident that his team has not yet reached their full potential. He believes that England can be a dangerous side in the 2025 tournament.

Rohit Sharma (India): Leading with Experience and Confidence

Rohit Sharma will take charge of India for the first time at the Champions Trophy, although his experience in the tournament is extensive. Having been part of India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy squad, Sharma returns with a wealth of experience. Following a 3-0 series sweep against England, India’s momentum is strong. Sharma will look to build on the team’s recent success and continue their winning ways as they aim for their third title in the tournament.

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): A Captain with Calm Leadership

New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner takes the helm for the first time in an ICC event, leading a well-balanced team that has already shown great promise. The Black Caps were unbeaten in their Tri-Nation series against Pakistan and South Africa, and Santner is eager to replicate that success on the global stage. Known for his calm and composed demeanor, Santner will look to rally his team and continue New Zealand’s tradition of strong performances in ICC tournaments.

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): Defending Champions and Hosts

Mohammad Rizwan has the unique opportunity to lead Pakistan in their home tournament and defend their Champions Trophy title. This will be Rizwan’s first time captaining Pakistan in an ICC event, but he has already achieved success with his leadership in ODI series victories against Australia and South Africa. With Pakistan set to play in front of their passionate home crowd, Rizwan is determined to deliver a winning performance and make the nation proud.

Temba Bavuma (South Africa): Leading with Hope and Determination

South Africa’s Temba Bavuma takes the reins as captain for the first time in the Champions Trophy. Under his leadership, South Africa made it to the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the final of the 2025 ICC World Test Championship. Bavuma is optimistic about South Africa’s chances and hopes to guide the team to their first Champions Trophy victory since 1998. With the right mindset and strategy, Bavuma believes South Africa can finally achieve their elusive title.

A Tournament to Remember

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, these eight captains will undoubtedly be the focal point of their teams’ campaigns. With each leader bringing their unique strengths and aspirations to the table, the competition promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive one. The stage is set for an unforgettable tournament that will showcase the best of cricket, and the captains will play a pivotal role in steering their teams to glory.

What are your predictions for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Who do you think will emerge as the champion, and which captain do you think will lead their team to victory? Let us know your thoughts!