Champions Trophy 2025: Who are the captains of all eight teams? |

NEW DELHI: As the latest edition of the ICC Champions Trophy approaches, we take an in-depth look at the eight captains leading their respective teams in this prestigious tournament.
These skippers carry the hopes and aspirations of their nations, aiming to guide their sides to glory in the highly anticipated 19-day cricketing extravaganza hosted by Pakistan.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan): The charismatic leader who inspired Afghanistan’s historic run at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Shahidi is determined to continue his team’s impressive form. At 30 years old, he has been entrusted with leading Afghanistan in their maiden Champions Trophy appearance, riding on the back of a successful year in the ODI format. Shahidi believes his team has the talent to defeat any opposition on their day, setting their sights high for this prestigious tournament.
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Steve Smith (Australia): Stepping in as the interim captain for the reigning ODI world champions, the Australian batting icon brings a wealth of experience, having previously led the team at the 2017 edition of the Champions Trophy. Despite the absence of key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis, Smith remains optimistic about the replacements and their unique skills, aiming to guide Australia to their third Champions Trophy title.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh): Leading his side in an ICC event for the third time, the 26-year-old Shanto exudes confidence in a team undergoing transition. He believes Bangladesh can surprise many at the upcoming event and has set his sights on winning their first-ever ICC title. Shanto acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic that if Bangladesh executes their plans effectively, they can emerge victorious.
Jos Buttler (England): Having led England to a T20 World Cup triumph in 2022 and being a standout performer in their 2019 Cricket World Cup victory, the swashbuckling batter is featuring in his third Champions Trophy. Despite the recent series loss in India, Buttler is optimistic about England’s chances, believing they have yet to reach their full potential and can be a dangerous team in the tournament.

Rohit Sharma (India): Set to star in his third Champions Trophy and his first as India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma has already tasted success in the eight-team tournament, having been part of India’s 2013 title-winning campaign. Among the top contenders, India arrives at the Champions Trophy following a 3-0 series sweep against England at home, showcasing their run-scoring prowess. Rohit emphasizes the freedom and playing philosophy instilled in the squad, aiming to build on their success from the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): Making his debut as a skipper in an ICC tournament, the experienced spinner has already displayed positive signs, leading the Black Caps to an unbeaten Tri-Nation series win against Pakistan and South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy. Santner acknowledges the importance of different players stepping up at different times, setting his sights on replicating that success in the tournament’s opening match.

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): Leading Pakistan for the first time at an ICC tournament, Rizwan has the unique opportunity of defending the title as the host nation. Under his captaincy, Pakistan has already achieved historic ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa, and they made it to the Tri-Nation series final against New Zealand at home in preparation for the Champions Trophy. Rizwan acknowledges the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event in the cricket-loving nation, eager to excel in front of the home crowd.
Temba Bavuma (South Africa): Making his first appearance at the Champions Trophy, Bavuma has led South Africa to the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-finals and the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2025. Despite the tournament’s challenging nature, Bavuma is confident that South Africa can take a step closer to their elusive title win, having won the Champions Trophy back in 1998. He acknowledges the need to hit the ground running in the short format of the tournament, expressing hope for his team to go one step further this time.
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