Srinagar: Former India batter Kevin Pietersen has also named his semifinalist teams for the ICC Champions Trophy-2025 with both India, Pakistan in his list.
“I mean, this is so hard. It really is. But with Mitchell Starc pulling out today, I’m gonna say India, Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand,” said Pietersen.
Australia pacer Starc withdrew from the tournament, citing personal reasons, which means Australia will be without their famed pace trio in the mega event.
Starc’s compatriots Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy after sustaining injuries.
ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
The eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.
In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.
Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.