Ahead of the eight-team showdown, we list five bowlers that are likely to play a big role for their respective title-contending teams.
Mohammed Shami (India)
Making his much-anticipated return for India is the 34-year old grizzled seamer Shami, who will lead their pace battery at the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2025. Shami marked his comeback from injury in the recently concluded white-ball series against England; his first appearance since the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Even though he has not had the sharpest of returns since his comeback, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has backed the seamer to come in all guns blazing on the big stage. “He has been playing cricket for the past 10-12 years and has performed for the team. You look at the World Cup and how he bowled then,” Rohit had said. Shami finished as the top wicket-taker at the last Cricket World Cup as India finished runners-up, producing 24 dismissals off seven appearances at an incredible average of 10.7. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the new ball specialist will be crucial to India’s push for Champions Trophy glory.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
The searing left-arm quick will hold the key to Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defence in home conditions. Bringing in the angular advantage, compounded with his ability to swing the ball both ways, Afridi adds variety to the home side’s power-packed pace unit. Afridi is also coming into the tournament on the back of impressive performances, having finished as Pakistan’s leading One Day International wicket-taker in a successful 2024 that saw the team forge historic series wins in Australia and South Africa. Afridi also finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the recent home tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa. A lot of Pakistan’s success with the ball will hinge upon how they utilize the quota of the left-arm quick.
Adam Zampa (Australia)
Having shouldered the responsibility of Australia’s spin attack during their run to the Cricket World Cup title in 2023, Zampa is likely to be Australia’s blue chip stock again. Zampa finished only behind the aforementioned Shami in the wickets column at the 2023 Cricket World Cup; 23 scalps from 11 outings. In fact, the 32-year old is Australia’s second-most successful spinner in the ODI format, only behind the late great Shane Warne (291 wickets), with 181 dismissals off his 108 matches, averaging 28.56. The leg-spinner, best known for his venomous skidding stock delivery, has furthermore armored himself with subtle variations in pace. The trait is likely to come in handy in the sub-continental conditions at the upcoming tournament.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
As Afghanistan look to make a mark at their maiden Champions Trophy, leading their efforts with the ball will be spin-bowling icon Rashid. Bolstered with an array of deliveries in his arsenal, Rashid will present a serious threat in the conditions on offer in Pakistan, courtesy of his franchise cricket experience in the region. Equally encouraging for the tournament newcomers is the proven track record of the leggie at the big stage. As Afghanistan impressed at the Cricket World Cup a couple years back, Rashid would finish as his team’s leading wicket-taker. Albeit in a different format, but last year as Afghanistan made their first-ever semi-finals finish at an ICC tournament, Rashid rose to the fore with the ball, taking 14 wickets from eight matches. For Afghanistan to go far at the Champions Trophy, the 26-year old will have to come good once again.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
Another speedster that is likely to take the game away from opposition teams is the Proteas pace spearhead. In the absence of the likes of Bumrah and Pat Cummins, Rabada is expected to gain even more plaudits at the upcoming Champions Trophy. The raw pace added with a disciplined line and length make him a potent opening option for South Africa's leadership. Rabada’s traits have come good for South Africa in their recent consistent displays at ICC tournaments, and if the first-ever Champions Trophy winners are to end the silverware drought, that dates back to 1998, Rabada will need to fire on all cylinders.
