Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been announced as the official ambassador for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, an appointment that celebrates his significant impact on the tournament. Known for his stellar performances and consistent record, Dhawan is the leading run-scorer for India in the Champions Trophy and holds several key records in the event’s history. His appointment comes as anticipation builds for one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments.
Dhawan has left an indelible mark on the ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 701 runs across just two editions, making him the third-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history. His remarkable performances include three centuries, the most by any player in the competition. He is also the only cricketer to have won the Golden Bat twice consecutively, recognizing him as the highest run-scorer in both the 2013 and 2017 editions. His exploits in 2013 were particularly noteworthy, as he was named Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances that helped India lift the trophy.
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Speaking on his new role as an ambassador, Dhawan expressed his excitement, reminiscing about his time in the tournament. “Some of my most cherished cricketing memories come from playing in the Champions Trophy, and I’m thrilled to be a part of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as an ambassador. In the coming weeks, we will see the world’s best teams pouring their heart and soul into every match, with everything they have worked for on the line. It is a tournament full of passion, pride, and determination, and that’s what makes it such a thrilling and emotional journey for everyone involved,” he said.
As an ambassador, Dhawan will play a crucial role in promoting the competition, engaging with fans, and showcasing the passion and intensity that the Champions Trophy is known for. His appointment adds prestige to an already highly anticipated event, with cricket enthusiasts worldwide eager for the tournament to begin.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of the most electrifying editions of the tournament. India will commence its campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23. Their final group-stage fixture will be against New Zealand on March 2.
India’s squad for the tournament features some of the biggest names in world cricket:
Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Non-Travelling Substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube (available to travel if needed).
No Cricket Until Terrorism Ends: Dhawan on India’s Decision Not to Travel to Pakistan
While excitement surrounds the ICC Champions Trophy, India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament remains a key talking point. The Indian team has opted to play its matches at a neutral venue in the UAE, aligning with its long-standing policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan due to political and security concerns.
Dhawan, when asked about India’s stance on playing in Pakistan, made his position clear. “No, I don’t think so. Cricket shouldn’t come before our country’s stand. Until terrorism ends, there should be no cricket in Pakistan,” he stated in an interview with media.
The cricketer further emphasized that such decisions are made at the government and cricket board levels, with players having little say in the matter. “First, the governments need to be on the same page. Then it comes down to the cricket boards, and finally to the players. Players don’t have much say in these matters. If our country has taken a stand that we will not play in Pakistan, then we stand by it,” he added.
Pakistan has frequently criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its influence over international cricket decisions, alleging that India’s financial clout allows it to dictate terms within the ICC. However, Dhawan was unfazed by such criticisms, responding succinctly, “No worries, let it be.”
Shikhar Dhawan has been one of India’s most prolific batters across formats, particularly excelling in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His ability to dominate opposition bowlers made him a key player in ICC tournaments.
Shikhar Dhawan had an illustrious international career, particularly excelling in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In 167 ODIs, he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, which included 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. His consistency and aggressive style of play made him one of India’s most dependable batters in limited-overs cricket. In Test cricket, Dhawan played 34 matches, scoring 2,315 runs at an average of 40.6. His Test career featured seven centuries and five fifties, with his attacking approach often providing India with strong starts.
In the T20I format, he made 68 appearances, accumulating 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. Beyond the international stage, Dhawan’s domestic record further highlighted his prowess as a batter. He scored 8,499 runs in 122 First-Class matches, registering 25 centuries, while in List A cricket, he amassed 12,074 runs in 302 games, including 30 centuries. His ability to perform across formats cemented his reputation as one of India’s most accomplished batters.
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