India’s official ICC tournament broadcasters, Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar, have begun their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign by emphasizing the competition’s “all or nothing” structure. The top eight teams in the world compete in fierce must-win matches, therefore the outcome of each game has a direct bearing on their prospects of qualifying. With a film starring 2013 winning captain MS Dhoni, Star Sports Network’s marketing, which is based on the idea of “Har Match Do-or-Die,” sets the stage for one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments.
Watch: Star Sports releases the ‘ice cool’ Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
MS Dhoni Being the final Indian captain to win the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, he serves as a reminder of India’s spectacular victory and inspires supporters.
With Dhoni sitting in an ice-filled bathtub against a snowy backdrop and perspiring under extreme pressure, the promotional video opens, graphically capturing the nerve-wracking intensity of the competition in the most “Un-Dhoni” way possible. The intensity that spectators feel throughout the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is symbolized by this powerful image. Dhoni’s line, “Ek bhi match mein phisle, samjho tournament se nikle,” encapsulates the harsh nature of the competition with his trademark wit and composed manner.
Sharing an insight on the campaign, Vikram Passi, Head of Marketing, JioStar – Sports said, “The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy has a unique proposition – there are no safety nets or room for errors; win all matches or risk going home. When the stakes are high, there’s no one better than MS Dhoni, who has mastered the art of thriving in do-or-die situations, whether last-over finishes or lifting trophies. Our campaign, however, presents him in a completely new avatar- as Team India’s biggest fan, doing things contrary to his personality as it is ICC Men’s Champions Trophy time.”
Speaking about the marquee tournament and the campaign film, MS Dhoni said, “The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy has always been a special tournament to me—it’s where the best in the world go toe-to-toe in high-stakes, do-or-die matches. While players can manage the pressure on-field, the excitement and nerves for fans are on another level. Being part of this film was nostalgic, but I’m thrilled to connect with fans, watching every game like one of them this time around.”
On February 20, Team India, captained by Rohit Sharma, will play Bangladesh in Dubai to begin their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. A high-stakes match against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2 are also on their group stage schedule. The final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is scheduled on March 9; the competition will start on February 19.
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