Sports
The Biggest Moments of the Cricketing Year
1. India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India stamped its authority in ODI cricket by winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, going unbeaten throughout the tournament. In the final, India chased down New Zealand’s target of 252 with six balls to spare, powered by a composed 76 from Rohit Sharma and strong supporting contributions. This marked India’s third Champions Trophy title and underscored its strength in the 50-over format.
2. South Africa Breaks a 27-Year ICC Title Drought
In a watershed moment for Test cricket, South Africa clinched its first ICC World Test Championship title, defeating Australia at Lord’s. Resilience and a historic successful chase highlighted this achievement their first major global title since 1998 cementing their status among the elites of Test cricket.
3. England’s Rare Ashes Win Down Under
Although Australia dominated the series, England secured a rare Test victory on Australian soil in the Ashes their first in 15 years showing grit in a thrilling chase that captivated global audiences and redeemed a humbled English side.
4. IPL Glory for Royal Challengers Bangalore
In the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ended their 18-year wait for a trophy, igniting euphoric celebrations among fans. The long-awaited triumph was one of the year’s most emotional moments, though a tragedy off the field at a nearby venue cast a somber shadow on festivities.
5. Emerging Stars Rise & Records Fall
Several individual milestones stood out: Joe Root joined the elite club of batters with over 22,000 international runs, alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, Sam Harper’s explosive century in the Big Bash League further showcased the depth of T20 talent globally.
Historic Women’s World Cup Triumph
The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India was nothing short of epic. In a packed DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final to lift their first-ever Women’s World Cup trophy a watershed moment for the sport in the country. Shafali Verma’s impactful batting, Deepti Sharma’s all-round excellence, and Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership all played pivotal roles in this historic victory.
Throughout the tournament, record-breaking feats like South African captain *Laura Wolvaardt’s record aggregate of 571 runs added to the spectacle and competitive drama on display.
Women’s Premier League & Emerging Nations Cricket
The 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) remained a highlight of franchise cricket, with the Mumbai Indians Womenlifting the title and Harmanpreet Kaur earning Player of the Match honours in the final, highlighting the league’s growing prestige.
Additionally, the inaugural Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy showcased rising talent across associate nations, reflecting the broader growth trajectory of women’s cricket.
Notable Controversies & Talking Points
While there were unforgettable highs, the year wasn’t without debate. The Champions Trophy hybrid hosting structure, due to geopolitical concerns, drew criticism, and off-field tensions in events like the Asia Cup handshake controversy added layers of complexity to the sport’s narrative in 2025.
What’s Next: Looking Forward to 2026 and Beyond
Cricket fans already have plenty to look forward to in 2026 and the years ahead:
One of the most anticipated events on the calendar is the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which promises high-octane action from teams vying for global dominance in the shortest format. Preparations and squad selections throughout 2026 will be closely watched as teams balance experience with emerging talent.
Cricket’s oldest rivalry, the Ashes, will resume with renewed intensity in early 2026, offering a platform for players like Joe Root, Steve Smith and others to build on their legacy. Additionally, full bilateral tours across Test, ODI and T20 formats will ensure year-round international contests that captivate fans globally.
India’s depth will be tested as senior stars balance workload, domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy feed into national selection, and new talents emerge. Fans will also be watching for career milestones and leadership evolutions as the team prepares for future world events, including the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle. The momentum from the Women’s World Cup success is expected to drive greater investment and viewership in women’s formats from bilateral series to franchise leagues globally. The rise of young stars and expanded competitive opportunities hint at a transformative era for women’s cricket.
Conclusion
2025 was a year that delivered drama, triumph, history and momentum for cricket at every level. From globe-trotting competitions and iconic performances to breakthrough achievements and evolving rivalries, cricket’s landscape in 2025 both celebrated its rich heritage and ignited anticipation for what comes next. With marquee tournaments and new heroes on the horizon, the journey ahead promises to be just as thrilling keeping fans around the world deeply invested in every delivery.
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