A Deep Dive for Indian Cricket Fans in the U.S.A (Watch on Sling!)

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is upon us, and it's shaping up to be a tournament you won't want to miss. After an eight-year hiatus, the tournament is back, igniting a firestorm of excitement among cricket fans worldwide. It's a reunion with one of the most prestigious and fierce cricket teams. From February 19th to March 9th, the top eight cricketing nations, qualified from the thrilling 2023 Cricket World Cup, will clash in a battle for supremacy. Pakistan enters as the defending champion, but with the tournament's return after so long, anything is possible. Whether you've been counting down the days or are just discovering this global cricketing spectacle, this blog is your ultimate guide. The blog covers everything you need to know, from team updates and predictions to the all-important question: How can you catch all the action live from the U.S.A., including streaming options like Sling TV?

The Tournament Landscape: A Unique Setup

This year's Champions Trophy features a unique hosting arrangement. While Pakistan was initially slated to be the sole host, logistical and political considerations have led to a split, with India's matches being held exclusively in Dubai. This decision, while complex, offers a silver lining for US-based fans, as the timings are much more conducive to US schedules.

India's Chances: A Quest for ICC Glory

India enters the tournament with high expectations. The team boasts a powerful batting lineup, a diverse bowling attack, and a wealth of experience. However, recent ICC tournament history tells a cautionary tale. Despite consistently strong performances, India has struggled to cross the finish line within the ODI format. This year's Champions Trophy presents another opportunity to break the cycle and claim a coveted ICC title.

Key Players and Injury Updates

The success of any team hinges on the performance of its key players. For India, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya will be crucial. However, Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains a significant concern. His recovery from a back injury is being closely monitored, and his unavailability will be a major blow to India's bowling strategy.

Squad Analysis: Surprises and Snubs

Squad selection is always a hot topic of debate. The omission of Sanju Samson from the Indian squad has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about selection criteria. While KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant offer strong wicketkeeping options, Samson's consistent performances warranted consideration. Such decisions are part and parcel of international cricket, but they always leave fans wondering "What if?"
Here is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

The Riveting India-Pakistan Encounter

No cricket tournament is complete without the high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan. This year's encounter in Dubai promises to be a blockbuster. The rivalry, the history, the passion – it's a match that transcends sport. Make sure you clear your schedules and tune in on Sling for what promises to be an unforgettable contest.

How to Watch the ICC Champions Trophy in the USA: Sling is the Answer

Here is how you can watch the tournament on Sling TV:

Step 1:
Subscribe to one of Sling’s Packages:

Dakshin Flex ($10/month): This budget-friendly option provides access to Willow HD, Willow Xtra, and a range of South Indian entertainment including on-demand shows, the latest web series, and hit movies from channels like Vijay TV, Simply South, and Hotstar Specials. Get the best of both at the best price.

Desi Binge Plus ($10 for the first month): This starter package is for individuals seeking the complete entertainment experience. Along with Willow HD and Willow Xtra for live cricket, get access to unlimited content from SonyLIV, Star On-Demand, Hotstar Specials, and more.

Get not just cricket but the top entertainment for the whole family. One sling subscription gives access to three accounts at the same time. Follow this link for a list of features on Sling.

Step 2:
Ways to Watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the USA:

So you've signed up for Sling TV and are pumped to catch your favorite content. Now, the burning question: how do you watch the ICC Champions Trophy live on Willow HD? Below are the two ways to watch the tournament:
Option 1:

Search and Stream: Head to the homepage of the Sling app and type "Willow HD"s in the search bar. Click on the channel logo and hit "Watch Now" to enjoy the live match.

Option 2:

Guide It Up: Select the "Guide" icon on the left navigation bar. Find "Willow HD" and click on it. Choose the highlighted live match (India vs USA!) and start streaming.

Catch All the Action LIVE!