The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a watershed moment in India's cricket viewing, setting a new record in television and online platforms. At an all-time high viewership, the series ranked among the highest-watched sports events of all time.

According to official records, JioStar boasted a record 250 billion overall views, the highest among cricket fans. Even the live television broadcast, Star Sports, witnessed history-shattering action with 137 billion views. JioHotstar, another household streaming service, received 110+ billion views, pointing towards the shift towards digital viewing.

The final match in the tournament witnessed a record-breaking real-time viewership. TV viewership peaked at 122 million concurrent viewers, one of the all-time highest TV audiences for a cricket match in India. Digitally, 61 million concurrent viewers viewed the final live, which only serves to underscore the increasing dominance of online media in sports broadcasting.

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The record-breaking ratings reflect India's unprecedented passion for cricket and increased availability of live sporting action on old and new media. Success of Champions Trophy 2025 also indicates the role played by streaming media in transforming sport viewing, with more viewers abandoning traditional cable television to watch games on smart TVs and mobiles.

Industry experts believe that the combined coverage of television and digital media has set a new standard for cricket watching. Increased adoption of high-speed internet, along with low-cost mobile data, has contributed significantly to this increase.

With the ICC T20 World Cup and certain other major events lined up for the coming years, such statistics indicate that Indian cricket viewership will continue to increase. The 2025 Champions Trophy has certainly reached new heights and been an unforgettful moment for world cricket fans.

PCB Confirms No Loss in Business by Hosting Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not involve any loss of business. On the contrary, the board can expect to gain a profit of INR 86.25 crore from the tournament. This clarification comes in the wake of speculations that India might not come to Pakistan in light of political hostilities between the two countries.

Financial Gains from Hosting

• The PCB has estimated significant financial gains from hosting the event. The income will be derived from various sources, including:
  
• Broadcasting Rights: ICC sells media rights, guarantees major returns.
  
• Sponsorships: Huge brands will collaborate with ICC and PCB for promotion.
  
• Ticket Sales: Games featuring popular teams will draw huge crowds.
  
• Tourism Boost: Fans of cricket from all over the globe might travel to Pakistan.

India's Possible Absence and Alternative Plans
One of the main issues is whether India will play in Pakistan or if their games will be relocated to a neutral ground. The Indian government has not issued any official announcement regarding their decision. If India does not go, the ICC could relocate their games to some other place, like the UAE or Sri Lanka.

In spite of this doubt, the PCB is confident that the event will remain financially viable. The board contends that even if a few matches are hosted elsewhere, Pakistan will still receive a significant portion of the revenue.

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🚨 PCB SAYS NO LOSS FOR CT. 🚨

- PCB claims 86.25cr INR profit for hosting 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/UJuYiJRscu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 21, 2025

Security and Hosting Arrangements

For smooth functioning, PCB is collaborating closely with:
Government Agencies: Ensuring high-level security for all teams.
ICC Officials: Complying with international standards for event management.
Stadium Preparations: Upgrading Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi facilities.

ICC Role in Decision Making
The last word on matters of hosting belongs to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It will review the security situation and determine if all teams, including India, play in Pakistan or at a neutral location.

Team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has briefly taken a break and embarked on a vacation to France along with his wife Natasha and daughters Aazeen and Anaeza. This is following India's massive triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025.

With Gambhir as coach, India triumphed in the Champions Trophy after a span of 12 years. This was India's third title in the tournament, their earlier wins being in 2002 and 2013.

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 9th March. There are no international matches scheduled for the next two months, so Gambhir will spend this time relaxing with his family before the IPL begins on 22nd March.

VACATION TIME FOR GAMBHIR...!!!

- Coach & his family left for France for Vacation. [Abhishek Tripathi] pic.twitter.com/OAFwNehceO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 21, 2025

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India had a struggling time earlier this year in Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3. There was pressure on Gambhir, but the victory in the Champions Trophy has shut the critics up.

Gambhir has also tasted success in the IPL. In 2024, under his mentorship, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third IPL title. Following this, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian team. He replaced Rahul Dravid, who ended his term with India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024.

Virat Kohli's Experience of Teamwork and Success:

Virat Kohli clarified his thoughts about the Indian team's atmosphere and how this helped them achieve success. According to him, the team atmosphere was based on the platform of enjoyment, friendship, and communication. Rather than simply putting emphasis on the technicality of cricket, Kohli added that having fun in the surroundings made the practice sessions a keenly anticipated activity among the players. For him, When you go to a practice session, you're anticipating being at the training centre with your brothers and friends. Camaraderie was one of the reasons India could be winners.

The captaincy of Virat Kohli, along with team effort, assisted the team in handling the situation in a better manner than any other team participating in the tournament. The team also learned to adjust to different pitches and play scenarios, and it played a crucial part in their triumph. Kohli described how the team's success in getting the play conditions clear and adjusting in the right measure left everyone stunned more than other people.

Kohli was also aware of the fact that the victory over the Champions Trophy was not as much about specific performances as the entire team rising to the situation and playing with plans effectively. He described the way the adaptability and shared trust within the team kept the players calm and carried out game plans flawlessly.

Kohli’s Personal Contribution:

Since Kohli was also an integral player in the team, his effort was also the reason why India won the tournament. He also played some match-winning innings in this time, one of which was a magnificent century that he played against Pakistan in the group stages. His ability to play under pressure and set examples with the bat was indicative of the team's emphasis on individual brilliance and overall fortitude.

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The Mindset Shift:

It was mostly about the attitude change. Instead of challenges coming to them, they welcomed them. The tolerant and laid-back culture, combined with a willingness to change according to situations and play as a unit, were the tipping points for the team. It was this attitude that took India to become the number one team for the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to Kohli.

Briefly, Virat Kohli's description of India's victory is a tribute to the team culture, flexibility, and personal effort. It shows how keeping in mind the larger picture of the team dynamics and remaining as one team assisted in achieving at the top level.

When Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025, not many expected Varun Chakravarthy to make such a significant impact in the Champions Trophy 2025. Picked as the fifth spinner, he surprised everyone by becoming India’s X-factor, taking nine wickets in just three matches making him the joint-highest wicket-taker.

Talking to anchor Gobinath on his YouTube channel, Varun opened up about his struggles after the 2021 T20 World Cup and how his recent success has helped him to move on and gain confidence.

"It was a tough phase for me. I went into depression because I felt I couldn’t live up to the expectations after being selected for the World Cup with so much hype," he admitted."I still can’t believe so many good things are happening simultaneously. Now, I just want to keep improving and take my game to the next level."

🚨Disgusting🚨

Varun Chakaravarthy says “After the 2021 World Cup, I received threat calls. ‘Don’t come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to.’ People came up to my house, tracked me down—I had to hide at times.”pic.twitter.com/OvgKvh04ZD

— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) March 14, 2025

Varun opened up about how the reaction after the 2021 World Cup was more than just criticism.  "I got threat calls after the tournament. People told me, 'Don't come to India. If you try, you won’t be able to.' Some even showed up at my house and tracked me down I had to hide at times. When I was coming back from the airport, a couple of people followed me on their bikes," he shared.  

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"These things happen. I know fans are emotional. But now, when I look back, I feel happy."Varun Chakravarthy didn’t expect to be picked for the ODI series after the T20I matches in Mumbai.  

"I had already booked my tickets for Chennai. But the next morning, I got a call saying I was in the ODI squad too and needed to go to Nagpur instead," he recalled. For him, the Champions Trophy was a big confidence booster. "It made me feel like I truly belonged, that there was a place for me," he said. With IPL 2025 coming up, Chakravarthy, who will be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, is focused on keeping his form and staying ready to get another title for KKR.

Andy Roberts, a former West Indies cricketer, has come down heavily on the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that India has an excessive hold on the governing body.

In a statement reported by Mid-Day, Roberts opined, "To me, the ICC is the Indian Cricket Board. India calls the shots. If tomorrow, India decides, 'listen, there shouldn't be any no-balls and wides,' take my word, the ICC will somehow try to oblige India."

His remarks indicate that the ICC plays favorites with India in decision-making, which can impact the equity of the game.

This is coming in the wake of the cricket fraternity gearing up to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan. The competition has already evoked controversies with issues surrounding security, fixtures, and participation from teams.

Robert's comments have set the air abuzz for cricket enthusiasts with some agreeing India wields undue influence as the sport's most financially powerful governing body, whereas others think that the ICC remains an impartial sports body.

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"It's Not Fair, It's Not Cricket"

Speaking of his annoyance, Roberts added, "Something's got to give India can't get everything. The ICC must say no to India sometimes. How can a team not travel during a tournament? It is not fair, it's not cricket."

He also alleged that India has too much control over the ICC, making a joke that if India ever requested no wides or no-balls in cricket, the ICC would somehow make it possible.

India's Response

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and ex-cricketer Gautam Gambhir during the tournament denied allegations of favoritism, saying that India did not get any special treatment.

But Roberts and most other authorities do not think that cricket must be dominated by a single country. He cautioned that the sport may lose its competitive balance if favoritism keeps on going.

Hardik Pandya achieved what he missed it in Champions Trophy 2017. India won their 3rd Champions Trophy against New Zealand with 4 wickets remaining in hand. It was Hardik Pandya who controlled the inmings with his important 18 runs in 18 balls with 1 six and 1 four included. Pandaya ensured this time India would go par above the line. At the point where Pandya got out India, were just few runs short of a big win. 

Where Jadeja and Rahul finished things off and India won their third Champions Trophy silverware which is more by any playing nations. Hardik Pandya with the win overly joyed and satisfied this time which he couldn't able to replicate in the Champions Trophy 2017 against Pakistan. India outplayed every opponent there but missed it in the final. 

Redemption is the Greatest Revenge

After the victory in Champions Trophy this time Pandya attended the presser with the biggest smile of his achievement, where he claimed that he wouldn't be able to forget that day when India lost the final against Pakistan. India had to chase a huge total of, 300 plus in the biggest final where Indian batting collapsed miserably and it was Hardik Pandya who was lavishing the Pakistani bowlers he scored 74 runs out of 43 balls, with the mix-up with Jadeja Pandya got out, if he would have been there chances of winning would be more. 

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Hardik seemed extremely pleased when he was addressed he said the victory was just another milestone of his greatness but I am desired to bring more and more trophies to India. For me its always been winning more championships is important.  I said it earlier when we won the T20 World Cup last year, I need 5-6 trophies to be there for India and I am happy we got the Champions Trophy this year. 

Preparing For The Next Target

With T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy in hand the hunger of attaing more Championships have been increased. I have been ready for my next assignment of T20 World Cup 2024 which is going to happen in India and would like to replicate the same performance which we did in 2024. The most important thing in my life is, used to think how can add on more to team increase the chance of winning one more trophy.

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As Champions we will try to show our dominant presence in the World Cup that too why we will remain as Champions and would like to retain the cup. I love victory everyone comes and puts their heart out That is what I did for my team India, My Bharat. Now my next aim is to win the T20 World Cup and make sure it, stays with India. 

India has won numerous ICC trophies in the past, with some players giving excellent performances at the right time.

The players who received the most Man of the Match awards during each winning campaign:

1983: Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath was a crucial member of India's historic World Cup victory. He received two Man of the Match awards, one for the semi-final against England and another for the final against West Indies. His all-round play, providing important wickets and solid batting, assisted India in capturing the trophy.

2002: Virender Sehwag

India co-shared the Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, and Virender Sehwag was one of the stars of the tournament. He received two Man of the Match awards for his explosive batting and effective bowing contributions.

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2007: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh played a major role in India's success in the first T20 World Cup. He received two Man of the Match awards, both for one against England when he hit six sixes in an over and the second for his aggressive knock against Australia in the semi-final.

2011:Yuvraj Singh

The 2011 World Cup was ruled by Yuvraj Singh, who collected four Man of the Match awards. He scored important innings with the bat and also chipped in with the ball, thus becoming the pillar of India's campaign. His all-round excellence guided India to lift the trophy after 28 years.

2013:Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja was one of the star performers in India's 2013 Champions Trophy victory. He secured two Man of the Match awards for his all-round performances, including match-winning bowling efforts and aggressive lower-order hitting.

2024: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was the match-winner for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He secured two Man of the Match awards for his superb bowling performances, contributing significantly to India's victory.

2025:Virat Kohli

One of the all-time great batsmen, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He earned two Man of the Match awards to establish himself as a player who can perform under pressure and took India to another ICC title.

From Mohinder Amarnath in 1983 to Virat Kohli in 2025, each ICC victory has been crafted by the players who played when it counted. With additional tournaments in store, people can't help but wait for the next big star who will lead India to victory.

The ICC trophy-winning skipper is special. It isn't simply picking up a trophy; it's about steering the team past ordeals, dealing with pressures, and making calls that chart a tournament's course. The hopes of a million ride upon these captains, who also pave the way for a generation of leaders.

Trust me, he is no prime minister or chief minister. But in that instant of triumph, his presence is more than any political leader. He makes a nation stand united, makes memories that last an eternity, and inscribes his name in history with resolve and excellence.

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AURA of a ICC trophy winning captain 🥶🦁. pic.twitter.com/nOsW9imlBb

— '' (@Sneaky_ix) March 11, 2025

Trust me, he is neither a prime minister nor a chief minister. But at that moment of triumph, his aura is more than that of any political leader. He brings together a nation, makes memories that last an eternity, and inscribes his name in history with resolve and excellence.

An ICC trophy-winning captain is not merely a cricketer. He is a symbol of resilience, faith, and greatness.

India won their third Champions Trophy title in Dubai which was no less than a thriller. Amid numerous concerns India over came all the challenges and won the trophy even when other's were favoring New Zealand. India's collective effort was the reason for the trophy triumph where evey individual contributed to the team victory. At one stage India were at crucial stage but Hardik Pandya the finisher came and restored the innings. 

At the start of the proceedings Hardik Pandya was given new ball to bowl where fast bowlers didn't have that much of purchase where he was bashed by Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. Though New Zealand were landed with break by our spinners where quick three wickets backfooted them. Still half centuries by Bracewell and Darryl Mitchell commanded them with a respectable total of 251 runs.

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India's Back To Back Trophy Triumph

A hefty loss in the World Cup against Australia at the home ground was the most downturn moment in Indian Cricket where they won every match but lost the most important one. Then India took revenge by winning the T20 World which was held in the USA and West Indies. India was on to chase 252 to win the third Champions Trophy where Rohit and Gill provided with a dream start for India. But then suddenly Gill departed at 35 followed by Virat Kohli which stunned the crowd. Within a few minutes, Rohit Sharma was stumped. 

It looked match has been tilted to New Zealand side though Axar and Iyer hold on the breath. Iyer departed by making well made 48. Then came the man Hardik Pandaya who exploded with his sixes and erased the difference between the score he was looking so calm and composed in the chase as he blasted few more runs but against the run of play he straight hit back to Jamieson. Finally Jadeja finished things off with boundary. 

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Hardik Pandya With His Witty Replies

India won the match by 4 wickets and ended their Champions Trophy drought after 12 years and back to back years winning the trophies which increased their tally count to 3. After the celebration Hardik Pandya attended the presser where again the same question was repeated to him why India didn't travel Pakistan. 

Reporter asked - Pakistan awam bhi chahthi thi India bhi waha par aakhar khele, wahan par bhi aapke bahut jyada fan hain is sawal par aap kya kahenge sir. 

Hardik Replied - Badhiya hai sir wo bhi bas chahthe the lekin nahi ho paya tho, I am sure Yahan ke jitne bhi pakistani fan hain unhone bhi enjoy kiya hoga yahan pe match ab wo kyoun nahi gaye kahan nahi gaye wo I think mere paygrade se above cheez hai, ab yehi bol sakta hoon. 

Which made entire people laugh at the conference hall during the presser as this questions were put on to Indian coach and players whom response were quite similar. Even few expert panel and players raised, this, questions too but India replied them with the trophy.