Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed shared his thoughts on Pakistan's chances of lifting the trophy and compared the current squad to the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team. In an exclusive interview to Cricket Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his confidence in the team's strength, emphasizing the advantage of playing in home conditions.
"The team looks very strong, and playing in home conditions gives them a major advantage. They know their own grounds well, and that knowledge will play a crucial role. If you compare this team to the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad, this current team actually looks stronger on paper," he said.
Sarfaraz highlighted key players such as Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, pointing out how both players have evolved since the 2017 tournament.
"Babar Azam is a world-class player now. Fakhar Zaman, who was a newcomer back then, has evolved into a much more experienced player. Back in 2017, Babar was still finding his footing, but today, he is Pakistan's top batsman on the international stage. Fakhar has also developed into a top player," Sarfaraz stated.
The former captain also praised the strength and depth of the current squad, mentioning players like Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
"The team also has power hitters and rising starsSaud Shakeel is in great form, Salman Ali Agha is playing well, Haris Rauf is there, Shaheen Shah Afridi is leading the pace attack, and Naseem Shah bring additional strength. On paper, this squad looks very well-balanced," he further said.
Sarfaraz emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and staying focused as the key to success.
"Now, the key is for the team to maintain its momentum. If they do that, Insha'Allah, the trophy will return to Pakistan," he concluded.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will start on February 19 and run until March 9. Defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match. One of the most awaited fixtures will be the India vs Pakistan clash, set to take place on February 23.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has shared his predictions for the semi-finalists of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Despite Pakistan's tough group, Sarfaraz believes that four teams stand out as the strongest contenders for the semi-finals are Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Australia. In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan Sarfaraz discussed the competitive nature of the tournament.
"As we know, Pakistan's group is very tough, but for me, I think Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Australia are the four strongest teams for the semi-finals." Sarfaraz said.
The eight-team tournament will start on February 19 and run until March 9. Defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match. One of the most awaited fixtures will be the India vs Pakistan clash, set to take place on February 23.
The final of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. However, if India qualifies for the final, the match would move to Dubai.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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