[Trending News] ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Check The Complete List of Captains of the Eight Teams

Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the start of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, a prestigious tournament that brings together the top One Day International (ODI) teams in a thrilling battle for supremacy. After a really long break, the tournament is set to make a grand comeback, promising high-intensity matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Hosted by Pakistan, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a crucial test for teams as they aim to prove their determination on the global stage.

READ| Highest Wicket-Taking Bowlers in ICC Champions Trophy (1998-2025)

At the heart of every successful game lies strong leadership, and in a high-stakes competition like the Champions Trophy, the role of a captain becomes even more significant. A captain is not just a leader on the field but also a strategist, motivator, and decision-maker who can turn the tide of a match with tactical brilliance and composure under pressure. The 2025 edition of the tournament will see some of the finest cricketing minds take charge, each bringing a unique style of leadership and a wealth of experience to guide their team to victory.

As the tournament draws closer, cricket enthusiasts are keen to analyse the captains who will be leading their respective nations. From their ability to inspire teammates to their tactical acumen in crucial moments, we will witness how these leaders could shape the destiny of their teams in the race for the coveted trophy this season.

READ| ICC Champions Trophy 2025 FAQs: Schedule, Venues, Squads, Match Timings, Live Streaming, Host Country, Tickets, Format & Prize Money Details

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Captains

Here is the full lineup of captains leading the eight teams set to compete in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These leaders, each bringing their own unique style of captaincy, will play a crucial role in shaping their team’s performance in this high-stakes tournament.

READ| Most Hundreds in ICC Champions Trophy History

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan)

Source: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Hashmatullah Shahidi, a dynamic and influential captain, played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s remarkable journey at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where they secured victories over formidable teams like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. At 30 years old, Shahidi has been given the responsibility of leading Afghanistan into their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy, following an exceptional year in ODI cricket.

Despite being a newcomer to the tournament, Shahidi remains confident in his team’s ability to challenge and overcome any opponent on their day.

Steve Smith (Australia)

Source: Crictoday

Filling in for regular captain Pat Cummins, the legendary Australian batter is once again at the helm of the reigning ODI world champions in this tournament. Having previously led Australia in the 2017 edition, Smith brings valuable leadership experience as he aims to guide the team toward securing their third Champions Trophy title.

Despite the challenge of replacing key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis, Smith remains confident in the new additions to the squad.

READ| Champions Trophy 2025 Australia Team Squad

Nazmul hossain shanto (Bangladesh)

Source: ICC

Leading his team in an ICC tournament for the third time, the 26-year-old has expressed Bangladesh’s strong determination to claim their maiden title. Shanto remains optimistic about the squad’s potential despite being in a transitional phase and believes the team has the ability to surprise many in the upcoming competition.

Emphasising the tournament’s importance for Bangladesh, Shanto stated, “(It’s) very important. Before we came here, we all wanted to win the trophy this time because in the last few tournaments, we haven’t done well. This time we can think of winning the trophy because we have got a very good team.”

Jos Buttler (England)

Source: Times of India

Jos Buttler, who played a pivotal role in England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup victory and captained the team to a T20 World Cup win in 2022, is making his third appearance in the tournament. With England aiming for their first-ever Champions Trophy title, Buttler is determined to lead the team to glory and add another trophy to their collection.

Although England recently faced a series defeat in India, Buttler remains confident in their prospects for the upcoming competition.

READ| Champions Trophy 2025 Prize Money: How Much Money Will the Winners Receive?

Rohit Sharma (India)

Source: The Cricketer

Rohit Sharma is gearing up for his third Champions Trophy appearance, but this time, he will be leading India as captain. After steering the team to an almost perfect campaign in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and securing a T20 World Cup title, Rohit is no stranger to success in major tournaments.

His journey in the Champions Trophy dates back to 2013 when India clinched their second title. That edition also marked Rohit’s emergence as a fearless opener, a role he has mastered throughout his career.

India enters the tournament as a strong contender, fresh off a dominant 3-0 series sweep against England at home. The emphatic victory showcased Rohit Sharma and his team’s batting prowess, reinforcing their credentials ahead of the competition.

READ| India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)

Source: The Cricketer

Making his ICC tournament debut as captain, the seasoned spinner has shown promising leadership qualities, settling into the role with confidence. Before the tournament, Santner guided the Black Caps to victory in a Tri-Nation series against Pakistan and South Africa, leading the team to an undefeated run that culminated in lifting the trophy.

One key highlight from that triumph, just days ahead of the Champions Trophy, was the collective effort from multiple players, which played a crucial role in New Zealand’s success in Pakistan.

READ| Champions Trophy 2025 New Zealand Team Squad: Players List, Captain, Vice Captain and Staff Members

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Source: Crictoday

Leading Pakistan in his first ICC tournament, Rizwan takes charge as the defending champions set their sights on retaining the title on home soil. Since assuming the captaincy last year, he has guided the team to landmark ODI series victories in Australia and South Africa.

His leadership also saw Pakistan reach the Tri-Nation Series final against New Zealand at home, building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Trust Brawd Book.

Source: ICC Cricket

Marking his debut in the tournament after steering South Africa to the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-finals, the Proteas captain is determined to bring back the trophy they last claimed in 1998. As a key figure in South Africa’s pursuit of international success, Bavuma has already led his team to the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2025.

Despite the formidable competition, he remains optimistic that South Africa can move one step closer to securing the long-awaited Champions Trophy title.

In conclusion, with the Champions Trophy’s high-stakes format allowing little room for error, the leadership of these captains will be tested like never before. Whether it’s guiding their team through a tricky group stage, making bold tactical decisions, or leading by example with their performances, these players will be at the heart of the action.