Mohammad Amir predicts Pakistan advantage in Champions Trophy match against India

Amir believes Pakistan will have the upper hand over their arch-rivals, thanks to their recent strong performances

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Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has weighed in on the much-anticipated India-Pakistan showdown in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, predicting that Pakistan will have the upper hand. The high-stakes encounter is set to take place on February 23, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In an interview, Amir pointed to Pakistan’s recent strong performances against top-tier teams as evidence of their prowess in overseas conditions. “The way Pakistan has been performing, including beating Australia in their own backyard and defeating South Africa, shows their capability. Based on these performances, I believe Pakistan will have an advantage against India,” he said.

While acknowledging India’s historical dominance in ODI World Cups and their strong reputation in major tournaments, Amir highlighted the pressure currently facing the Indian team due to recent setbacks. He also emphasized the importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, suggesting that the star pacer’s absence would significantly weaken India’s bowling attack.

“If Bumrah is unavailable, it will be a massive blow for India. He is their leading bowler and a key figure in their attack,” Amir noted.

Historically, Pakistan has a mixed record against India in the Champions Trophy, winning two of their five encounters. Their most notable victory came in the 2017 final, where Pakistan triumphed by 180 runs, with Amir’s spell dismissing key Indian batters Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams and 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9 across venues in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

The tournament will kick off on February 19, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. Several teams, including England, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh, have already announced their squads.

As excitement builds for the marquee event, the India-Pakistan clash remains the highlight, with fans eagerly awaiting another chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.