Fakhar backs Indian players for CT

He says Pandya, Kohli and Rohit will prove to be important players

Pakistan's opening batter Fakhar Zaman shared his thoughts on various aspects of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, his preparations and reflections on past performances, particularly the iconic 2017 Champions Trophy final.

During a recent online media conference, Zaman emphasized the evolving nature of the playing conditions in Dubai, a venue frequently associated with international cricket tournaments.

"The wickets in Dubai are no longer as slow as before," said Fakhar.

However, he pointed out that it ultimately depended on the ground staff and their decisions on the preparation of the wickets for the Champions Trophy 2025.

"It depends on the ground staff what kind of wickets are prepared for the Champions Trophy," he added.

Acknowledging that consistent pitch conditions may not always benefit the teams, he emphasized the importance of playing in different environments.

"It's not always good to have flat wickets everywhere; we should play in different conditions," he said, stressing the need for variety in the challenges faced by players.

When discussing key players, Zaman pointed out that every player in international cricket is capable of turning a match, underlining their value to their respective teams.

"Every player who plays at the international level is a match-winner; that's why he plays for his national team," he noted.

Fakhar also highlighted prominent Indian cricketers as potential game-changers, naming three players he believed could have a significant impact for India in the Champions Trophy.

"In my opinion, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will prove to be important players for India," he said.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the left-handed batter revealed that he was gaining valuable match practice in the ILT20.

"Before the Champions Trophy, I am getting good preparation in the ILT20," he explained.

"I have played domestic matches, I am playing in the league, and both my fitness and form are in good shape," he added.

Fakhar Zaman still cherishes the memories of Pakistan's incredible Champions Trophy win in 2017.

Recalling his match-winning century in the final against India, Fakhar said, "Memories of the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the century will always stay fresh."

"Before the 2017 Champions Trophy, the team's morale was low, but Pakistan performed brilliantly. In the final against India, it was our day."

When discussing India's star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, Fakhar praised his talent, calling him a "world-class bowler."

However, he also made it clear that preparations for international cricket are not based on individual players, but the whole team.

"You don't prepare for just one player; you prepare for the entire eleven," he explained.

He also noted that despite occasional poor performances from big players, they should not be underestimated.

"If they have a few bad matches or are out of form, it doesn't mean they should be taken lightly," Fakhar said.

"People create more of an issue when big players are out of form, but we treat these players as top players," he added.

He also observed that ICC event wickets are generally not very challenging, but he emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game.

"As cricketers, we learn in our careers that no matter what, we have to focus on the game," he said.

While Pakistan will face India in Dubai, Fakhar acknowledged that the lack of home crowd support would be a factor. Nevertheless, he remained hopeful that Pakistan would still receive significant backing from the Dubai crowd.

"There will be a lack of home crowd support in the match against India, but I hope we will still get support in Dubai," he said.

"Crowd support is important, but what's most important is how we perform as a team on the ground," he concluded.