Michael Clarke predicts the Champions Trophy semi-finalists, finalists, and champion

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has shared his predictions for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan and the UAE next year.

Speaking on a recent podcast with sports presenter Erin Holland, Clarke confidently named his semifinalists, finalists, and the eventual winner of the prestigious tournament.

He picked India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand as his four semifinalists, citing their strong squads and consistent performances in major ICC events.

“India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand—these are my top four teams,” Clarke predicted.

Discussing Pakistan, the defending champions and host nation, the World Cup-winning skipper highlighted their home advantage and intense rivalry with India as key factors for their inclusion in his semifinal lineup.

“The Pakistan-India rivalry is unbelievable. If they meet in the tournament, or even in the final, it would be massive. Pakistan has a well-balanced squad, and playing in home conditions gives them a major edge. If they play their best cricket, they have what it takes to win the tournament,” Clarke remarked.

However, the 43-year-old also expressed concerns over Pakistan’s ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches.

“My biggest concern with Pakistan is how they handle pressure. Historically, they’ve had stronger teams at times but struggled in high-stakes situations. It will be interesting to see how they cope with expectations, especially with the tournament being played at home,” he added.

Clarke then revealed his picks for the two teams he expects to reach the Champions Trophy 2025 final.

“I’m backing Australia to be in the final, and I think they will face India,” he stated.

Despite his support for Australia, Clarke ultimately predicted India as the tournament champions.

“I think India is going to beat Australia in the final. I can’t believe I just said that,” he concluded.