Ricky Ponting, an ICC Hall of Famer and ex-World Cup-winning captain, has forecasted that India and Australia will be the competitors in the final of the forthcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan.

He also identified England and South Africa as the other two semi-finalists.

Ponting expressed these predictions while appearing on The ICC Review with former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who concurred with his selections.

“It's difficult to overlook India and Australia once more. Just consider the caliber of players in both nations at this moment, and reflect on recent history when these significant finals and major ICC tournaments have taken place, and typically Australia and India are present somewhere,” Ponting stated on The ICC Review.

India and Australia have both claimed the title twice-India in 2002 and 2013, whereas Australia in 2006 and 2009. Both countries have a track record of achievement in ICC tournaments, with Australia having recently triumphed over India in the ICC World Test Championship and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023.

Nevertheless, Ponting pointed out another possible challenger: Pakistan.

“The other team that is currently playing very good cricket is Pakistan. Their one-day cricket has been exceptionally excellent recently. We know they're not always the most consistent team in those large tournaments, but they appear to have resolved some issues,” he remarked.

Pakistan, under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, has been performing strongly, achieving ODI series victories against Australia and South Africa. They enter the tournament as the reigning champions, having won the 2017 edition under Sarfaraz Ahmed with a commanding final showing against India.

The 2025 will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, featuring Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the inaugural match. The tournament’s final is slated for March 9.