Which is the tougher of the two Champions Trophy 2025 groups?

The schedule and groups for the Champions Trophy 2025 are out. The highly anticipated ICC tournament will kick off on February 19, and the final will be played on March 9.

Eight teams will feature in the Champions Trophy 2025 edition and are divided into two groups of four teams each. Defending champions and hosts Pakistan are in Group A, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Group B comprises England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Pakistan have decided on Dubai as the neutral venue, where India's group-stage matches and the first semi-final will be played.

The Champions Trophy last happened in 2017 and was won by Pakistan, who beat India in the final. They will be keen to defend their title as the tournament returns after a long gap. Both groups have strong teams, and the competition is expected to be intense.

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Which is the tougher of the two Champions Trophy 2025 groups?

Group A, comprising teams like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, is expected to be a strong group as the sub-continental conditions are likely to favor the Asian teams. Pakistan have performed well in ODIs recently, having whitewashed South Africa.

While India lost their previous ODI series against Sri Lanka, they will still be among the favorites. The Men in Blue tend to perform well in ICC events, having made the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

New Zealand is another team that generally do well in ICC tournaments and will be among the underdogs. Bangladesh lost their previous ODI series in West Indies, but sub-continental conditions may play in their favor. Nonetheless, the Tigers will have to work hard to make it past the group stage.

Coming to Group B, while teams like Australia, England, and South Africa are expected to find it challenging in Asian conditions, this is the group that appears to be tougher.

Australia were successful on Indian soil as they beat the hosts and won the 2023 ODI World Cup, making them one of the strongest sides heading into the Champions Trophy.

Teams like England and South Africa have also built the reputation of having hard hitters who have transformed the way cricket is being played at the moment. Power-hitters in Australia, England, and South Africa would come into play in Pakistan, where flat decks are expected.

Additionally, Afghanistan is a team that always come as a surprise package. Their rise on the global stage has been undeniable. In the 2023 World Cup, they put up a spirited display by beating England and almost pulling off victories against Australia and South Africa.

On their day, Afghanistan can certainly beat any given side and are among the underdogs in the Champions Trophy. Playing in sub-continental conditions would only add to their strengths, making them an equally competitive unit.

While first thoughts would suggest that Group A is the tougher one, with teams that could benefit from the conditions, Group B is expected to be the tougher of the two in the Champions Trophy 2025 based on the aforementioned reasons.