In the previous edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan beat arch-rivals India in a blockbuster final at the Oval to secure their maiden Champions Trophy triumph.
Now, as the hosts of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan aims to defend its title. But how strong is their squad? Can they live up to the expectations? Gavaskar’s Champions Trophy prediction might give us some insights.
In Shorts
- Sunil Gavaskar’s Champions Trophy prediction favors Pakistan as the top contender.
- The Champions Trophy format is in the 50-over format which suits Pakistan’s style of game.
- Babar Azam is ICC’s number 1 ODI ranked
- Pakistan’s home advantage in Champions Trophy could give them an edge over other teams.
Pakistan – The Unpredictable Giants
The Pakistan cricket team 2025 is one of the most unpredictable teams in cricket. One day, they can dazzle the world with a superlative display of cricket skills, and the next day, they can end up playing like school kids. This inconsistency, however, makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the Champions Trophy 2025 favorites discussion.
Sunil Gavaskar’s thumbs up for Pakistan
Sunil Gavaskar, however, has given his thumbs up to the defending champions.
Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels Pakistan is the favourite to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, being the hosts of the event.
“The tag of favourites should be given to the home team Pakistan as it’s not easy to beat any team in their home conditions. India lost in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 but before that they put up clinical performances and won ten matches on the trot. Hence, I feel Pakistan is the favourite for the upcoming tournament,”
Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Also Read: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy | Schedule and Format | Groups | Know All Squads
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also shared his views
“If we talk about Dubai Stadium, fast bowlers get a lot of assistance there, the ball swings early on. Bowlers also get a good bounce from the surface. Hence, the team should have a good seam attack and the selectors will keep that in mind while selecting the team,” said Pathan.
What Makes Pakistan dangerous?
Pakistan cricket is the most unpredictable
Pakistan can turn up one day beating Australia and the next day can be beaten by the lowest-ranked team.
They can display flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of unpredictability. This keeps their fans on their toes.
Pakistan’s cricketing history is filled with unexpected victories and surprising losses, a characteristic that makes it different to other teams.
This ability to surprise opponents has worked both ways. However, it’s undeniable that this unpredictability bamboozles opponents to anticipate Pakistan’s moves or strategies.
Their unconventional play often takes opponents by surprise.
Love for the Short format of the game – A Natural ODI Contender
Pakistan’s love for the shorter version of the game makes them one of the most dangerous cricket teams in the world.
Their focus on T20 cricket and limited-overs matches has transformed them into a specialist ODI and T20 side.
While they play very minimal cricket in the longer format, Pakistan cricket team has increasingly specialized in short-format cricket, making them a formidable force in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Stronger Team Selection Approach
While teams from other countries pack their squad according to conditions, Pakistan and most subcontinental teams select more by repute.
This has however changed in Pakistan cricket recently.
Like many nations, Pakistan too has identified separate teams for One Day, T20, and Test cricket.
This will make them more prepared as compared to past Pakistan Teams.
Pakistan‘s squad for the tournament has a majority of their squad tailored to the demands of the ODI format. This makes their adaptability to the tournament even more potent.
Quality Bowling unit
Pakistan cricket has always produced world-class bowlers.
While their batting quality could be under doubt from time to time, bowling has always been their strong suit.
With Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, the team boasts one of the best pace attacks in the competition.
In the spin department too, Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali have proved their worth making the bowling unit comprehensive and very dangerous.
Youngsters and Raw Talent: The X-Factor
The raw talent in the team makes Pakistan very strong on an individual front. This makes them a formidable contender.
The selectors are not shy to introduce these fresh talents onto the international stage who now are part of the playing eleven which creates the much-needed X factor.
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Kamran Ghulam are some names, international teams would not have played against.
This element of surprise will help Pakistan in the tournament.
The Bench Strength will be one of the strongest among all teams in the competition.
Star Culture on the decline
With more young talents coming up, Pakistan’s star culture in players has slowly come down and senior players too have to earn their position in the playing eleven like others.
Recently star players like Babar Azam and even Shaheen Afridi have also been dropped for a few matches.
This competitive environment has built a stronger bench, making Pakistan a formidable force in Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan’s Home Advantage in Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s home advantage will be clearly visible and they will be comfortable playing in Dubai as well.Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi gives Pakistan a strategic edge. Their familiarity with subcontinental pitches and conditions boosts their chances. Additionally, India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 matches will be played in Dubai, ensuring a high-stakes encounter.
Pakistan’s Recent Performances & New Leadership
Pakistan enters the Champions Trophy 2025 on the back of impressive recent performances in ICC tournaments and overseas series, solidifying their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to unfamiliar conditions.
Pakistan has seen recent success having won three consecutive bilateral series in 2024 and is currently on a five-match winning streak in the ODI format.
Pakistan recently whitewashed South Africa, and won 2-1 against Zimbabwe and Australia, on their home turf.
New Captain
New leadership has brought a fresh perspective to the team. Mohammad Rizwan will be expected to captain the side.
As Pakistan looks to build on its strengths, Rizwan’s approach to leadership will be key in their quest to defend their title.
Conclusion
With their home advantage, strong bowling attack, and youthful energy, Pakistan is shaping up as one of the Champions Trophy 2025 favorites.
Matches will be hosted across three venues, namely Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. India will play their matches in Dubai.
Semi-final 1 and finals will be in Dubai if the Men in Blue qualifies else will be shifted back to Pakistan.
Being the host nation and ranked number 3 in the ODI rankings, Pakistan is considered one of the favourites for the mega event. They also have Babar Azam as the number one ICC-ranked batsman in their squad.
Pakistan will have their hopes high to top the group if the India game goes their way. Pakistan has also not lost to New Zealand in an ICC event in the last nine years.
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