The Champions Trophy is back! After a long hiatus since 2017, one of cricket’s most exciting tournaments is making its much-anticipated return. It’s been a while—so long, in fact, that it feels surreal. Yes, the world went through a pandemic, and cricket saw disruptions, but an eight-year gap? That’s a lifetime in the world of international sport.

For cricket lovers, the Champions Trophy represents the perfect blend of unpredictability and elite competition. We cherish those fairy-tale moments, the upsets, and the underdog stories that define ICC white-ball tournaments. And if history is any indication, we’re in for some serious drama.

Think back to 2017. The greatest rivalry in cricket—India vs. Pakistan—culminated in an unforgettable final. Fakhar Zaman was out for a duck, only to be saved by a no-ball that was decided by mere millimeters. What happened next? He went on to smash a match-winning century, propelling Pakistan to a historic victory. It’s these little twists of fate that make cricket such a thrilling spectacle.

Fast forward to 2025. Afghanistan’s rise as a giant killer has been one of the most captivating narratives in world cricket. Their stunning victory over Australia was a testament to their fearless approach, and it wasn’t just a one-off. The Afghans have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best, and with conditions in the UAE and Pakistan favoring their strengths, who’s to say they can’t go even further this time?

The Champions Trophy features the top eight teams in the world, and while some heavyweights stand out, the tournament feels wide open. India has been consistently dominant, but with most of the matches being played in the UAE—a venue where other teams have gained significant experience—there’s no reason to believe they are invincible. Australia and England, two other traditional powerhouses, have been plagued by inconsistency. England, in particular, has struggled to find rhythm, and their recent performances have been a mixed bag.

This opens the door for teams like Afghanistan, who have the perfect combination of youthful exuberance and experienced match-winners. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib—these names aren’t just promising talents; they’re proven performers who can dismantle any opposition. Their spin-heavy attack, coupled with an aggressive approach to batting, makes them a serious threat in these conditions.

But Afghanistan isn’t the only team with the potential to shake things up. New Zealand, the perennial dark horses of world cricket, continue to punch above their weight. Their balance is impressive, with a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting new faces. However, injuries have hit them hard—Lockie Ferguson is out, and Kyle Jamieson has been flown in as cover. With Trent Boult and Tim Southee no longer leading the attack, there’s added pressure on Matt Henry and the rest of the pace unit. That said, the Kiwis have always thrived in ICC tournaments, and their ability to adapt could see them go deep once again.

Then there’s Bangladesh, a team brimming with experience in subcontinental conditions. Pakistan as host nation, too, have the ability to cause upsets, especially in familiar conditions. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has been quietly building a formidable squad, and their ability to exploit spin-friendly pitches could be a game-changer.

Australia, usually one of the most intimidating teams in world cricket, is in a precarious situation. With Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc all unavailable, their famed pace attack is significantly weakened. This puts immense pressure on their batting lineup, and if they suffer an early injury or two, things could unravel quickly. In a short tournament like the Champions Trophy, there’s little room for recovery.

All of this makes the upcoming tournament one of the most unpredictable in years. The conditions will play a crucial role, favoring teams that can exploit spin and adapt quickly. In tournaments like these, all it takes is one slip-up for a top team to find themselves on the brink of elimination. The format doesn’t allow for slow starts—one upset can change everything.

Which brings us back to the narrative of the giant killers. Afghanistan has already shown they can stun the best. Bangladesh has the experience and tactical awareness to spring a surprise. Even New Zealand, with their knack for delivering in ICC events, could take down one of the traditional powerhouses. Could we see an Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh final? It’s not as far-fetched as it once seemed.

The Champions Trophy has always been a stage for defining moments. From Chris Cairns’ heroics in 2000 to India’s rain-affected triumph in 2013, this tournament has produced its fair share of unforgettable cricket. This time, though, it feels even more special. The long wait, the unpredictability, the shifting power dynamics—it all adds up to what could be a historic edition.

So perhaps we should label this year’s edition as the ‘Champions Trophy: The Rise of the Giant Killers.’ It has all the ingredients—fierce rivalries, unpredictable outcomes, and the tantalizing possibility of a new champion. One thing’s for sure: cricket fans around the world are in for a rollercoaster ride. And if a few big names get knocked over along the way? Well, that just makes it even more exciting.