Explained: Why Sri Lanka and West Indies are not playing in the Champions Trophy 2025? And…..

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to commence on February 19, has notably excluded two former champions: Sri Lanka and the West Indies. This marks the first time since the tournament’s inception that both teams will not participate. Their absence has raised questions about the qualification process and the current state of cricket in these nations.

Qualification Criteria

The qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy was determined by the standings of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The top seven teams from the World Cup, excluding the host nation Pakistan, secured their spots in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan automatically qualified as hosts. The eight participating teams are:

• Pakistan (hosts)
• India
• New Zealand
• Bangladesh
• Australia
• England
• South Africa
• Afghanistan

Sri Lanka’s Absence

Sri Lanka, co-champions of the 2002 edition, finished ninth in the 2023 World Cup standings. Despite winning two matches against the Netherlands and England, they were unable to advance past the group stage, losing to Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, and New Zealand. Their ninth-place finish, tied on points with Bangladesh but with an inferior net run rate, led to their exclusion from the Champions Trophy.

West Indies’ Absence

The West Indies, two-time World Cup winners, did not participate in the 2023 World Cup due to failing to qualify through the World Cup Qualifiers. Consequently, they did not secure a spot in the Champions Trophy.

Impact on Global Cricket

The absence of Sri Lanka and the West Indies from the Champions Trophy is significant, given their rich cricketing histories and passionate fan bases. Their exclusion highlights the evolving dynamics of international cricket, where traditional powerhouses must consistently perform to maintain their status in major tournaments. This development underscores the increasing competitiveness of global cricket and the necessity for teams to adapt and evolve to remain relevant on the international stage.