A Thrilling Encounter After 259 Days
Cricket fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the epic showdown between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. After a long hiatus of 259 days, these two legendary teams are set to clash once again, reigniting their fierce rivalry. The game will be held at the Dubai International Stadium, with the action starting at 2:30 PM. Their last encounter occurred during the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 9, and now, they meet again in a high-stakes ICC tournament, promising another thrilling chapter in their long-standing cricket rivalry.
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The Rivalry that Defines ICC Tournaments
India and Pakistan have historically played each other in only ICC (International Cricket Council) and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) tournaments in recent years, thanks to political tensions between the two nations. The last ODI encounter between the two sides took place on October 14, 2023, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad. India won the match comfortably, securing a 7-wicket victory. Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match after his brilliant bowling performance, taking 2 wickets for just 19 runs and helping India control the game.
India’s Unstoppable Record in ICC Tournaments
When it comes to ICC tournaments, India has consistently dominated Pakistan. Out of their 21 encounters in ICC events, India has emerged victorious 17 times, while Pakistan has managed to win only 4. This remarkable record spans multiple formats, including the ICC World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy, showcasing India’s dominance over its archrival.
India’s record in the ICC Men’s World Cup is particularly impressive, with the team never losing to Pakistan in any of their encounters across three decades. Similarly, in the ICC T20 World Cup, India holds a commanding 7-1 record, with their most iconic win coming in 2007 when India defeated Pakistan in the final to claim the inaugural T20 World Cup title.
The 2017 Champions Trophy: A Rare Victory for Pakistan
However, the story takes a different turn when it comes to the ICC Champions Trophy. In the 2017 final, Pakistan stunned India by defeating them in a comprehensive fashion, winning by 180 runs. The match, held at The Oval in London, saw Pakistan post a formidable total of 338/4. Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 114 runs guided Pakistan to that total. India, in response, was bowled out for just 158 runs in 30.3 overs, handing Pakistan their first-ever Champions Trophy victory in a remarkable upset.
A Historic Rivalry with Political Backdrop
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2013 due to the ongoing political tension between the two nations. The last time India visited Pakistan was in 2008, following which, after the Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian government restricted its cricket team from playing in Pakistan. This decision led to the suspension of bilateral cricket series between the two countries. Since then, the only occasions on which these two teams meet are during ICC and ACC tournaments, adding a sense of rarity and significance to their encounters.
The Growing Hype of India-Pakistan Matches in ICC Events
With bilateral series out of the picture, the hype surrounding every India-Pakistan match in ICC tournaments has only grown. The ICC has capitalized on this intense rivalry by ensuring that these two cricketing giants face off in every major tournament since 2013. Before this, India and Pakistan would occasionally meet in ICC events based on the tournament’s structure, often during group stages or knockout rounds. However, following the political freeze on bilateral series, the ICC began to schedule these high-profile matches to maintain the spectacle and excitement that these encounters always bring.
India’s Superior Record in Recent ICC Showdowns
The rivalry has been a key feature of every ICC tournament in recent years. Their most recent clash occurred during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India triumphed in a nail-biting match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Despite being put in to bat first, India posted a challenging total, thanks to a gritty performance from Rishabh Pant, who contributed 42 runs. Pakistan, in reply, fell short, finishing with just 113 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah once again proved his worth, earning the Player of the Match award for his outstanding bowling.
A Legacy of Unforgettable Moments
Throughout the years, India and Pakistan have delivered countless memorable moments in ICC tournaments. From thrilling finishes to one-sided victories, each match has added to the legendary status of their rivalry. The memories of India’s T20 World Cup win in 2007, the emotional 2017 Champions Trophy final, and the intense World Cup matches between the two sides have etched themselves into the minds of cricket fans.
In the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, fans expect more of the same — drama, passion, and, of course, the undeniable excitement that comes with an India-Pakistan encounter. As the two teams take the field once again, all eyes will be on them, hoping for another unforgettable contest.
