Shastri, Ponting rate Pak as major threat in CT

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have shared their thoughts on Pakistan's prospects in the tournament, with both believing the team has the potential to make a significant impact.

This will be the first time that Pakistan will independently host a major ICC event. The last mega ICC event - 1996 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup - was jointly hosted by Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

The stakes are higher than ever for the nation. Shastri, the former India head coach, acknowledges the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd, particularly in the sub-continent, but remains optimistic about Pakistan's chances.

"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," Shastri said on The ICC Review.

"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," he added.

Shastri also discussed the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury.

"They've missed Ayub at the top, and he's a crucial player," he noted.

"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," he further stated.

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The former India coach remains confident that, if Pakistan makes it to the knockout stages, they could pose a serious threat to any team.

"Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they'll be doubly more dangerous," he added.

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, echoed Shastri's thoughts, focusing on Pakistan's fast bowling strength and the form of former skipper Babar Azam. Ponting believes that Pakistan's pace attack could be a game-changer in the tournament.

"I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill," Ponting said.

"But Pakistan's fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who've been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up," he added.

Ponting also highlighted the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in stabilizing Pakistan's batting order.

"Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that's when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous," he added.

The former Australian captain also acknowledged the pressure and excitement of playing at home.

"The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments," he added.

Ponting emphasized that if Pakistan's key players perform at their best, they will be a team to reckon with.

"They've still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day," he said.

"If they play well, they'll be right in it," Ponting concluded.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on 19th February, with hosts and defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.