The 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is just 19 days away, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the action. As excitement builds, Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the event in India, has unveiled a new campaign to heighten the tournament fever. In a move that has thrilled fans, former Indian captain and Champions Trophy winner MS Dhoni has joined Star Sports for this campaign titled "Hard Match Do-or-Die."
The campaign’s promotional video takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, starting with a montage of India’s victorious 2013 Champions Trophy run, followed by Dhoni sharing his insights on the upcoming tournament. His involvement in the campaign has sparked immense enthusiasm among cricket lovers, reminding them of his legendary leadership and ability to handle high-pressure moments.
One of the most striking aspects of this campaign is the way MS Dhoni is presented. Known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, Dhoni appears in an intense and fierce avatar—something rarely seen before. The campaign brings out his serious and determined side, perfectly capturing the immense pressure and unpredictability of the ICC Champions Trophy.
By featuring Dhoni in this bold new role, Star Sports aims to strike a chord with cricket fans who still remember his iconic 2013 Champions Trophy win. His presence in the campaign not only generates nostalgia but also reinforces the message that this tournament is one of the toughest in international cricket.
The campaign’s promotional film takes a creative approach to conveying the tension and high stakes of the Champions Trophy. One of the most powerful visuals in the film is Dhoni sitting in a bathtub filled with ice, set against a snowy landscape. However, despite the freezing surroundings, he is visibly sweating—a striking metaphor for the intense pressure that defines the tournament.
Through this imagery, the campaign emphasizes that the Champions Trophy is unforgiving, where even the smallest mistake can lead to elimination. This high-risk, high-reward nature of the competition makes it a must-watch event for cricket fans worldwide.
Vikram Passi, Head of Marketing at JioStar – Sports, shared insights into why Dhoni was chosen as the face of this campaign. He highlighted that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is one of the most cutthroat tournaments in international cricket, where teams must be at their best in every match. A single misstep can determine a team’s fate.
Passi further explained that Dhoni, known for his ability to remain cool under pressure, was the perfect ambassador for this message. However, rather than portraying him as a cricketer, the campaign presents him as a passionate fan reacting to the sheer intensity of the competition. This unique approach ensures that audiences relate to Dhoni in a fresh and engaging way.
As someone who has led India to Champions Trophy glory, MS Dhoni holds the tournament close to his heart. Reflecting on its significance, he acknowledged that the event is one of the most challenging in cricket, bringing together top teams in high-stakes encounters.
Dhoni also expressed his excitement about experiencing the tournament from a different perspective this time—as a passionate fan rather than a player. He emphasized that while cricketers handle immense pressure on the field, the nerves and excitement among fans are at an entirely different level. Through this campaign, he hopes to share that electrifying experience with millions of cricket lovers across India.
Conclusion
With the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy just around the corner, Star Sports’ decision to bring MS Dhoni on board for their promotional campaign has further intensified the excitement. The "Hard Match Do-or-Die" campaign captures the high-pressure nature of the tournament and presents Dhoni in a never-seen-before avatar, making it a memorable experience for fans. As cricket lovers count down the days to the opening match, Dhoni’s involvement ensures that the anticipation remains at an all-time high.
The campaign not only celebrates Dhoni’s legacy but also sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable tournament. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to witness the drama, tension, and unforgettable moments that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is sure to deliver.