 "India had beaten Pakistan by seven wickets during their encounter at the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad. Reuters")
Former pacer Mohammad Amir believes that Pakistan will hold the upper hand against India in their upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy clash in Dubai. India and Pakistan will lock horns in Dubai on 23 February, with the Champions Trophy taking place in a hybrid model with Pakistan and Dubai hosting the matches. Pakistan had beaten India by 180 runs in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and Amir was part of the Pakistan squad at that time.
“The way Pakistan has played recently—defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa—shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions. Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India," Amir told the Times of India. India are coming on the back of a 1-3 Test series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
India thus missed out on a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final , and the team has come under criticism for their below-par performance. Amir said that while India are always favourites in big tournaments, the Men in Blue will be under pressure. “However, India has always been my favourite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats,” he added.
‘Huge loss for India if Bumrah isn’t there’: Amir
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah sustained a back spasm during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney and there are question marks over his fitness and readiness for the Champions Trophy. Sources have told Firstpost that Bumrah could miss India’s group stage matches .
Amir feels that should the India pacer be ruled out with injury, it will be a huge blow. “It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn’t there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength," opined the 32-year-old.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIndia will begin their Champions Trophy match with a Group A match against Bangladesh on 20 February. They will then face Pakistan on 23 February, before locking horns against New Zealand on 2 March. India and Pakistan are yet to announce their squads for the Champions Trophy, with all other six teams having announced their squads.