The World Championship of Legends 2025 brings back the golden stars of yesteryears, reigniting rivalries and bringing pure cricket nostalgia to millions. The tournament kicks off with an electrifying match between England Champions and Pakistan Champions on July 18th, and fans can’t wait to witness legends like Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi, and Younis Khan back in action.
Whether you're watching for love of the game or looking for smart betting tips, this in-depth preview has you covered.
📅 Match Details: All You Need to Know
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Match | England Champions vs Pakistan Champions |
Date | July 18, 2025 |
Time | 7:30 PM IST |
Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
Tournament | World Championship of Legends 2025 |
Broadcast | Sony Sports Network, FanCode App |
🔥 England Champions Squad Breakdown 🇬🇧
🧠 Key Players to Watch:
- Kevin Pietersen – The aggressive right-hander returns with power.
- Owais Shah – Solid middle-order support.
- Monty Panesar – A spin factor to contain middle overs.
- Ian Bell – Classic technique and experience.
🧪 Strengths:
- Powerful top order with KP and Bell.
- Tactical bowling unit with spin and pace balance.
- Familiarity with English conditions.
⚠️ Weaknesses:
- Aging pace attack may lack speed.
- Fielding agility could be a concern.
💚 Pakistan Champions Squad Breakdown 🇵🇰
🧠 Key Players to Watch:
- Shahid Afridi – Boom Boom still strikes fear!
- Younis Khan – Anchor of the batting unit.
- Shoaib Malik – The all-round engine.
- Umar Gul – Yorkers & death-over mastery.
- Sharjeel Khan – Fiery opening batsman.
- Muhammad Amir – New ball specialist
🧪 Strengths:
- Explosive all-rounders (Afridi, Malik).
- Spinners like Saeed Ajmal can exploit turning tracks.
- Strong death bowling.
⚠️ Weaknesses:
- Batting inconsistency in early overs.
- Fielding might not match England’s standards.
🕵️♂️ Head-to-Head: What the History Says
While there are no official T20I matches between these legends' teams, the individual history between these players in international cricket suggests a tight contest.
Notable Past Battles:
- KP vs Afridi: Fire vs Fire 🔥
- Gul vs Bell: Swing vs Class
📊 Pitch & Weather Report: What to Expect at Headingley
⛅ Weather Forecast:
- Clear skies with light breeze.
- Temperature: 22–25°C
- No rain expected.
🏟️ Pitch Report:
- Traditionally a good batting surface.
- Early swing expected under lights.
- Spinners may come into play in the second innings.
💸 Top Betting Tips & Predictions 🎯
🚨 Disclaimer: Betting should be done responsibly and only where it is legal.
🥇 Top Winner Prediction:
England Champions – Better balance, local conditions, and consistent middle order.
🎯 Toss Prediction:
Team winning the toss will opt to bowl first – due to dew factor and chase-friendly pitch.
🔥 Top Batsman (England):
Kevin Pietersen – Fit, motivated, and still aggressive.
🔥 Top Batsman (Pakistan):
Younis Khan – Could hold the innings together.
💥 Most Sixes:
Shahid Afridi – Expect fireworks if he gets going.
🎳 Top Bowler (England):
Monty Panesar – Key in middle overs.
🎳 Top Bowler (Pakistan):
Umar Gul – His death bowling is still deadly.
💰 Best Prop Bets:
- Total 6s in Match: Over 12.5
- First Wicket Partnership: Under 40.5 runs
- Total Runs (Team Batting First): 160–175
🧠 Strategy Corner: What Each Team Must Do to Win
🏏 England Champions:
- Utilize swing early.
- Target Pakistan's middle order.
- Anchor innings with Ian Bell.
🏏 Pakistan Champions:
- Afridi needs to fire.
- Use Saeed Ajmal tactically against KP.
- Maintain scoreboard pressure with strike rotation.
🤔 X-Factors to Watch
Player | X-Factor |
---|---|
Afridi | Can single-handedly change the game |
Monty Panesar | Accuracy could tie up Afridi & Malik |
Shoaib Malik | Finisher role vital |
KP | Psychological edge with early aggression |
📺 Global Broadcast & Streaming Information
🌍 International Streaming & TV Coverage
Region | TV Broadcaster | Live Stream / OTT Platform |
---|---|---|
India | Star Sports | FanCode |
UK | Willow Sports (TV & free stream) | Streaming via TrillerTV |
USA/Canada | Willow Sports | Live on TrillerTV (free replay available) |
Australia | TBD regional sports channel | Likely Kayo Sports or similar — check local listings |
Pakistan | Regional Sports Net | Streaming via Pakistan cricket OTT apps |
Rest of World | Willow Sports (social & OTT) | Also available on international sports streaming services |
- In India, all matches will air on Star Sports Network and stream exclusively on FanCode
- In the UK and USA, Willow Sports holds streaming rights, with free live access via TrillerTV, e.g., "England vs South Africa" 🏏
⏰ Match Start Time Across Time Zones
The match is scheduled at 4:30 PM local time (Birmingham) on July 18, 2025.
Converted start times:
- 🕓 Birmingham (BST / GMT+1): 4:30 PM
- 🕓 GMT: 3:30 PM
- 🕘 IST (India): 9:00 PM
- 🕔 EDT (East Coast US): 11:30 AM
- 🕥 PDT (West Coast US): 8:30 AM
- 🕔 AEST (Australia Eastern): 1:30 AM (July 19)
- 🕧 PKT (Pakistan): 8:30 PM
⏱️ A quick checklist:
- England/UK viewers: Tune in at 4:30 PM BST
- Indian viewers: Watch from 9:00 PM IST on Star Sports & FanCode
- US East/West: Match starts at 11:30 AM EDT / 8:30 AM PDT
- Australia: Join via local sports platforms around 1:30 AM AEST (July 19)
- Pakistan: Broadcast starts at 8:30 PM PKT on local channels
📰 Summary
- Tournament: World Championship of Legends 2025
- Match: England Champions vs Pakistan Champions
- Date: July 18, 2025
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Local Start: 4:30 PM BST
- International Channels & Platforms:
- India: Star Sports & FanCode
- UK & North America: Willow Sports & TrillerTV
- Australia, Pakistan & Others: Check regional sports networks or OTT platforms
✅ Final Takeaway
- Set your clocks: Match kicks off at 3:30 PM GMT / 9:00 PM IST / 11:30 AM EDT
Streaming platforms:
FanCode (India)- Willow Sports / TrillerTV (UK, US, global)
- Star Sports in India via cable/DTH
🧩 Fantasy Cricket Tips 🔮
Top Picks:
- Captain: Kevin Pietersen
- Vice Captain: Shahid Afridi
- Other Picks: Ian Bell, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul
Budget Options:
- Monty Panesar
- Owais Shah
- Yasir Arafat
🗣️ Expert Prediction Verdict 📣
The England Champions seem more balanced and conditioned for the tournament’s opener. With the match being played in England, and several of their players still active in T20 leagues, they enter as slight favorites. However, Pakistan Champions, with their unpredictability and match-winners like Afridi, can never be ruled out.
Expect a tight contest with high entertainment value!
🙋♂️ Most Asked FAQs
❓ Who will win today’s match – England Champions or Pakistan Champions?
A: England Champions have a slight edge due to home conditions and a well-settled lineup.
❓ Is Shahid Afridi playing in World Championship of Legends 2025?
A: Yes, Shahid Afridi is leading the Pakistan Champions side.
❓ Where to watch World Championship of Legends 2025 live?
A: The matches are available on Sony Sports Network and FanCode App.
❓ Who is captaining England Champions?
A: Kevin Pietersen is expected to lead England Champions.
❓ What’s the match timing for England vs Pakistan (Legends) on July 18?
A: The match starts at 7:30 PM IST / 3:00 PM local time at Headingley, Leeds.