The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set the stage for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 with the launch of its high-octane “All On The Line” campaign. Far from your typical cricket promo, the teaser delivers a Hollywood-style heist featuring some of the game’s biggest stars.
The star-studded cast includes Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, England’s Phil Salt, and India’s Hardik Pandya, whose appearance sparked some green-screen speculation.
The promo showcases a covert operation led by Afridi to steal the Champions Trophy, complete with high-security lasers, motion sensors, and white-knuckle tension. Shadab Khan assists as the quintessential sidekick, while Hardik Pandya takes on acrobatic maneuvers akin to an action hero. Phil Salt adds flair with a dramatic entrance, and Mohammad Nabi opts for a stealthy underground approach.
In a nod to WWE fans, Shaheen, Shadab, and Phil Salt share a “Shield-style” fist bump, further blending cricket with pop culture.
Despite widespread praise for the campaign’s creativity, it hasn’t been without controversy. Hardik Pandya’s seemingly remote appearance raised eyebrows, especially amid ongoing geopolitical and organizational tensions between India and Pakistan. Fans have speculated that the shoot’s location and execution reflect broader power dynamics in cricket, with some citing India’s recent influence over ICC decisions, such as venue adjustments for their matches.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 to March 9, hosted primarily in Pakistan, with four matches scheduled in the UAE. Featuring the top eight cricketing nations, the 15-match tournament promises fierce competition for one of cricket’s most coveted prizes.
The campaign has undoubtedly fueled excitement among fans, setting a cinematic tone for a tournament that’s sure to deliver on and off the pitch.
