Sat Feb 15 17:13:07 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Hosts ICC Champions Trophy: Five Players to Watch

**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy returns after an eight-year hiatus, kicking off in Pakistan on February 19th. Al Jazeera highlights five key players to watch from among the tournament favorites:

**Babar Azam (Pakistan):** The current top-ranked ODI batsman, Babar is Pakistan’s leading hope. With 19 centuries and 34 fifties in 122 ODIs, his impressive 55.98 average makes him a force to be reckoned with, despite recently stepping down as captain.

**Shubman Gill (India):** India enters as a strong favorite, and Gill is a rising star. His recent form, including two centuries in his last four innings, and a remarkable average of 60.16 in 50 ODIs, makes him a player to watch.

**Jos Buttler (England):** Despite England’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket, captain Buttler remains a key figure. His leadership and batting experience, including a crucial role in England’s 2019 World Cup victory, will be vital to their success in Pakistan.

**Glenn Maxwell (Australia):** Maxwell is a proven match-winner in the middle order, known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling. His ability to single-handedly change a game’s momentum, as evidenced by his 201* against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, makes him a dangerous opponent.

**Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan):** The young left-arm seamer is a match-winning bowler for Pakistan. With 124 ODI wickets in just 60 matches, he poses a significant threat to any batting lineup. If both he and Babar perform at their best, Pakistan could be poised to retain the title on home soil. The tournament features the top eight ODI teams, promising exciting cricket throughout.

Read More