Afghanistan will compete in the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 2025, marking a significant milestone in their cricket journey. Their qualification follows a strong performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they secured sixth place. Placed in Group B, Afghanistan will face Australia, South Africa, and England. Their first match is on February 21 against South Africa in Karachi.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has expressed confidence in the team’s bowling strength, stating that their spin attack can challenge any opponent. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad will be key in Afghanistan’s campaign.
Afghanistan’s Match Schedule (AFT Time)
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (AFT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 21 | Afghanistan vs South Africa | Karachi, PK | 1:30 PM |
| Feb 26 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore, PK | 1:30 PM |
| Feb 28 | Afghanistan vs Australia | Lahore, PK | 1:30 PM |
Where to Watch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Afghanistan
Official Broadcasters: Ariana TV & ATN
Afghanistan’s official broadcaster, Ariana TV, holds exclusive rights to air all matches.
- TV Broadcast: Available on Ariana TV’s sports channel via local cable and satellite providers.
- Online Streaming: Watch live matches on Ariana Television or the ICC.tv app.
Free Streaming Options
Cricket fans in Afghanistan have several ways to watch the tournament without a subscription:
- Afghan Wireless Streaming: Afghan Wireless users can stream matches for free via sports.afghan-wireless.com.
- YouTube Highlights: The ICC’s official YouTube channel will provide match highlights.
- ICC.tv Free Trials: Fans can explore ICC.tv’s free trial options for match replays.
How to Watch from Outside Afghanistan
Afghans traveling abroad or facing geo-restrictions can use a VPN to access official streams.
Steps to Watch Using a VPN
- Download and install a reliable VPN (e.g., NordVPN or ExpressVPN).
- Connect to a server in the UK, US, or India.
- Access the desired streaming platform:
- Willow TV (USA) – Monthly subscription: $10
- Sky Sports (UK) – In-depth analysis and coverage
- Disney+ Hotstar (India) – Live matches and replays
Afghanistan’s Strengths and Challenges in the Tournament
Strength: World-Class Spin Attack
Afghanistan’s biggest advantage is its powerful spin bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan. Alongside Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi, they have the ability to dominate on subcontinent pitches.
Challenge: Middle-Order Stability
Despite their strong bowling attack, Afghanistan struggles with an inconsistent middle order. Their batting lineup has faced collapses in key matches, including against England in 2023. The team must address this weakness to compete effectively in the Champions Trophy.