Former Indian cricket captain and coach Ravi Shastri has shared his insights on Pakistan’s prospects in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking in a recent discussion on the ICC Review, Shastri highlighted Pakistan’s dominance at home and their ability to pose a serious challenge to any team in the tournament.
Pakistan’s Home Advantage – A Major Boost
Shastri acknowledged that Pakistan is a different team when playing in home conditions, making them one of the strongest contenders for the Champions Trophy. He expressed confidence in their ability to comfortably qualify for the semi-finals, where they could become even more dangerous.
“Pakistan in home conditions is a very strong team. If they reach the knockout stage, they can be a serious threat to any opponent,” Shastri stated.
Handling Pressure in the Subcontinent
Discussing the pressure of playing in the subcontinent, Shastri emphasized that teams like Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh always carry high expectations when playing at home.
“Whenever you play in this region, especially at home, there is always immense pressure. How a team handles that pressure determines their success,” he explained.
Pakistan has a rich history of excelling in home conditions, and with the Champions Trophy 2025 being played across Pakistan and Dubai, they hold a strategic edge over other teams.
Recent Performances & Missing Players
Over the last six to eight months, Pakistan has displayed strong performances, particularly in South Africa. Shastri praised the team’s form but also pointed out the absence of key players like Saim Ayub, who could have provided more strength to the batting lineup.
“Pakistan has played impressive cricket recently, especially in South Africa. The absence of Saim Ayub in the top order is a factor, but they still have a well-balanced squad,” he remarked.
Pakistan’s Road to Champions Trophy Glory
With their current form, strong bowling attack, and home advantage, Pakistan is expected to be one of the most competitive teams in the Champions Trophy 2025. As they gear up for the high-pressure tournament, fans eagerly anticipate whether Pakistan can replicate their 2017 Champions Trophy-winning success on home soil.
The Pakistan vs. India clash will also be a major highlight, with both teams aiming for supremacy in one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.
Final Thoughts
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Pakistan remains a strong title contender, with cricket experts like Ravi Shastri recognizing their potential. With home support, a talented squad, and recent momentum, Pakistan could deliver a memorable campaign in this prestigious tournament.
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely as the Men in Green take on the world’s best teams, aiming to bring another ICC trophy home.
