World Cup 2023: Afghanistan qualify for Champions Trophy for first time, set to play tournament in 2025

High-flying Afghanistan have qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025. This is the first time in their cricketing history that Afghanistan will be playing the tournament. Afghanistan’s qualification in the Champions Trophy was confirmed after Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 on November 6, Monday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Full Coverage

The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan. Barring the hosts, the top 7 teams from the World Cup 2023 will qualify to play in the tournament.

The 2023 Cricket World Cup has been a remarkable journey for the Afghanistan cricket team, which has been making waves with its impressive performance. Having only won a single game in their two previous World Cup editions, the team has had a dream run this year, securing victories against past champions England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan’s campaign has been marked by a series of consecutive victories that have revitalised their World Cup journey. Afghanistan defeated Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands in back to back games to boost their hopes for a place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Afghanistan will next take on Australia in Mumbai on November 7, which will be crucial game for them in the tournament. Afghanistan currently stand in the 6 position in the league table after playing 7 matches. In case Afghanistan win against Australia in Mumbai, they will overthrow Pakistan from the 5th position in the league table. Afghanistan’s run of fixtures will prove to be a steep test for them. After Australia in Mumbai, the team will be facing South Africa, who have already qualified for the semi-final in the tournament.

While the fixtures might be tough, Hashmatullah Shahidi has backed his side and said that the team believes in their players and has the skill to see eye to eye against any international team.