 "Champions Trophy 2025: 'Pakistan are still very, very dangerous,' says former India coach Ravi Shastri")
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his opinion on Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The eight-team tournament is scheduled to kick start on 19 February in Pakistan and the UAE. Pakistan were originally handed the hosting rights for the event but after the BCCI’s refusal to send a team to the neighbouring country, the ICC decided to add a neutral venue in Dubai for matches involving India.
Shastri on Pakistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy
Ahead of the Champions Trophy , Shastri spoke to The ICC Review, where he discussed Pakistan’s chances in the competition. Shastri acknowledged the kind of pressure subcontinent teams face when playing in their home ground. He said the expectations for teams representing these countries are always high and the same goes for Pakistan.
Shastri pointed out that Pakistan has shown considerable promise in recent months. He lauded the team’s recent progress including their performance in South Africa and highlighted their ability to perform well on the big stage.
“There’s always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent – whether it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive. But I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa,” Shastri said.
According to Shastri, if Pakistan can qualify for the semi-finals, they could prove to be formidable contenders for the trophy.
“But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game. Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous,” he added.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIt is important to note that Pakistan are the defending champions as they beat India in the previous edition of the tournament in 2017. With the experience of being tournament winners, Pakistan will be eager to defend their title and add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet.
Pakistan’s squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
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