Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar have launched their campaign for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, featuring the former Indian cricket team captain, MS Dhoni.
The tagline, “Har Match Do-or-Die” (Every Match is Do or Die), encapsulates the intense pressure and high stakes that define the Champions Trophy. A promotional film starring Dhoni, who captained India to victory in the 2013 edition, captures the tournament’s thrilling atmosphere.
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’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy time.”
MS Dhoni added, “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.”
Dhoni’s involvement brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement, recalling India’s triumph in the 2013 Champions Trophy. His experience with high-pressure situations makes him an ideal figurehead for the tournament’s high-stakes nature.
The promotional film portrays Dhoni in a fresh light, underscoring the unforgiving nature of the Champions Trophy. His dialogue, “Ek bhi match mein phisle, samjho tournament se nikle” (If you slip in even one match, consider yourself out of the tournament), highlights the significance of each game.
This campaign aims to generate excitement for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, showcasing its unique format and the intense competition that awaits cricket enthusiasts. The tournament will be held in Pakistan in February 2025. India, captained by Rohit Sharma, begins their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. Their group-stage matches also include a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 23 and a game against New Zealand on March 2.