India Begins ICC Champions Trophy Campaign Against Bangladesh on Feb. 20

DUBAI, UAE — The Indian cricket team is set to launch its ICC Champions Trophy campaign on February 20, 2025, facing Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. This high-stakes match marks India‘s opener in Group A, following the tournament’s commencement with Pakistan vs. New Zealand on February 19.

The 19-day-long cricket tournament features eight top international teams, culminating in the final match on March 9, 2025. For the first time, the tournament will be streamed live in India across 16 digital feeds and in nine languages, enhancing accessibility for a diverse audience.

Streaming of the tournament matches will be available on JioHotstar and will include four multi-cam feeds. In addition to the English broadcast, coverage will be provided in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and more across Star Sports and Sports18 channels. Unique features, such as the Indian Sign Language feed and Audio Descriptive Commentary, ensure inclusivity for all cricket fans.

“This event represents a significant leap forward in how we deliver cricket to our audience,” said a JioStar spokesperson. “We’re excited to offer unparalleled coverage that caters to the diverse needs of our fans.”

The Indian squad, captained by Rohit Sharma, boasts prominent players including Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant. They will look to build on their strong recent performances, having won three of their last five ODIs. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, faces challenges, including the absence of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan due to suspension.

“We’re coming into this tournament with a lot of positivity, and every match is crucial for us,” said Sharma in a recent press conference. “We know the significance of our opening match and are preparing accordingly.”

The match will take place under lights at the stadium, which holds a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Given the competitive nature of Group A, where India is paired with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, a win will provide significant momentum toward securing a spot in the semifinals.

Fans can catch live audio coverage on All India Radio, while the ICC‘s Broadcast and Audio partners will provide comprehensive global coverage. In more than 80 territories, free streams will be accessible via ICC.tv, allowing cricket enthusiasts worldwide to tune in to the tournament.

“This is a momentous occasion for cricket, and we invite fans from all over to be part of this journey,” an ICC representative stated. “We are committed to making this experience as memorable as possible.”