ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Five bowlers to watch out for

The ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Often referred to as the Mini World Cup, it features the top eight cricketing nations competing for the title. The tournament is known for its high-intensity matches, featuring top-ranked teams, and has often produced thrilling encounters. Played in a 50-over format, it was traditionally held every four years, with the last edition in 2017, where Pakistan emerged as champions.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marking the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus. This will be the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since 1996. A total of eight teams will compete in the tournament, divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Teams like Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand will take part in the upcoming ICC event.

Bowlers have historically played a crucial role in the ICC Champions Trophy, often deciding the fate of matches in a tournament where conditions vary across host nations. With limited matches and a knockout-style format, economical and wicket-taking bowlers can single-handedly change the game. Swing bowlers like James Anderson (2006), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2017), and Mohammad Asif (2006) have thrived in seaming conditions, while spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan (2002) and Ravindra Jadeja (2013) have been match-winners on slower tracks.

Here’s a list of top 5 bowlers to watch out for in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:

1: Mohammed Shami

India’s most lethal fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy, making Mohammed Shami as India’s premier fast bowler. He has been one of the best seamers in recent years, thanks to his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, making him a game-changer.

Shami possesses outstanding seam movement, reverse swing skills, and deadly accuracy, making him India’s most lethal bowler on helpful pitches. The veteran pacer has performed admirably for the Indian side in various ICC tournaments. Mohammed Shami was a part of the ODI series between India and England in February 2025. He took 2 wickets in 2 matches with an economy of 6.56.

2: Shaheen Shah Afridi

The young left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi will play a key role in Pakistan’s bowling attack. The seamer is known for his deadly inswinging yorkers and a slew of variations. Playing at home, Shaheen Afridi will be Pakistan’s most dangerous bowler, especially on the seamer-friendly surfaces of Lahore and Rawalpindi. His ability to take early wickets could put opponents under pressure from the start. He is known for his brilliant new-ball spells, often striking in his first over. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi is currently a part of the tri-nation ODI series between New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. He took 3 wickets (Will Young, Kane Williamson, and Michael Bracewell) after conceding 88 runs in a spell of 10 overs.

3. Jofra Archer

One of the most exciting fast bowlers in English cricket, Jofra Archer is known for his raw pace, sharp bounce, and lethal accuracy. His ability to consistently bowl above 150 km/h, combined with his smooth run-up and deceptive action, makes him a nightmare for batters. He possesses a unique ability to generate steep bounce even on slow surfaces, which will be a key asset on Pakistan’s pitches, especially in cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi, where pacers often get extra assistance.

Jofra Archer has been a part of England’s squad for the three match ODI series in India. He took 1 wicket from 1 match played with an economy of 5.57.

4: Kagiso Rabada

South Africa’s one of the greatest fast bowlers, Kagiso Rabada is known for his fiery pace, bounce, and ability to bowl long, attacking spells. His accuracy in the death overs and his skill in extracting movement even on flat surfaces make him a key asset.

Rabada’s ability to strike at crucial moments and maintain pressure on batters has been evident in the 50-over format. With experience in subcontinental conditions, he will be crucial to South Africa’s success in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kagiso Rabada last played an ODI series against Pakistan in December 2024. He took a total of 5 wickets from 2 matches, with an economy of 5.20.

5: Rashid Khan

Afghanistan’s most experienced and talented player, Rashid Khan is a world-class leg-spinner, who has performed in various important matches for the team. His quick-arm action, deceptive googlies, and ability to contain runs make him one of the most dangerous spinners in the white ball format.

He has consistently troubled batters across formats and is known for his ability to take wickets even on batting-friendly tracks. With Pakistan’s pitches likely to offer some turn, Rashid’s role in the middle overs will be crucial in Afghanistan’s campaign. Rashid Khan last played an ODI series against Zimbabwe in December 2024. He only managed to take 3 wickets from 3 matches, with an economy of 4.75.