After a long wait, an ICC tournament is set to take place in Pakistan, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicking off on February 19. As excitement builds, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has made his prediction for the tournament's finalists.

India vs Australia: Another ICC Final Clash?

Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting predicted that India and Australia are strong contenders to face off in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. The two teams, led by Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins, have already clashed in two of the last three ICC finals, including the 2023 ODI World Cup.

"It's hard to go past India and Australia again," Ponting remarked. "Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now, and you look back in recent history when these big finals and big ICC events have come around, and inevitably, Australia and India are there somewhere."

India and Australia recently competed in a five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Australia secured a 3-1 series win over Rohit Sharma-led India.

Apart from India and Australia, Ponting also backed Pakistan to reach the semi-finals, citing their home advantage.

"The other team that is playing some really good cricket at the moment is Pakistan," he said. "Their one-day cricket over the last little bit has been absolutely outstanding. They’re not always the most predictable team in those big tournaments, but they seem like they’ve sorted things out a little bit."

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match.

As the tournament unfolds, cricket fans could witness another intense India vs Australia clash in the final on March 9. With both teams consistently dominating ICC events, a showdown between these powerhouses would set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.