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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return with a bang, being co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. As one of cricket’s marquee events, the tournament has already generated tremendous excitement and anticipation among fans and experts alike. Scheduled to feature the top eight ODI teams, the competition promises high-stakes encounters, intense rivalries, and thrilling moments.
With Pakistan hosting the event for the first time since 1996, there is immense pride and expectations from the home team to perform well. Similarly, the UAE’s modern facilities add a unique blend of venues to the tournament, further heightening the buzz around the competition.
Shoaib Akhtar picks his finalists for Champions Trophy 2025
Former cricketers and analysts have begun sharing their predictions for the event, and Shoaib Akhtar is the latest to weigh in. In a recent conversation, the former Pakistan speedster shared his thoughts on the tournament’s potential finalists. Akhtar expressed confidence that both India and Pakistan would not only make it to the semi-finals but could also meet in the final.
“India and Pakistan will definitely play the semi-finals. Both teams can also reach the finals,” said Akhtar while talking to PTV Sports, aligning with the popular sentiment that the Asian giants are among the strongest contenders for the coveted title.
Also READ: Suresh Raina predicts the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for Champions Trophy 2025
Why Akhtar believes the Asian giants can book final berths
Explaining his reasoning, Akhtar highlighted India’s pivotal role in the global cricketing landscape and their impact on the ODI format. Akhtar emphasized India’s crucial role in sustaining the popularity of ODI cricket, referring to the team as the ‘brand ambassador of cricket.’ He noted that India’s failure to win the 2023 ODI World Cup impacted the format’s global appeal, as a victory by India could have significantly boosted its promotion. Highlighting the importance of India’s presence in marquee events, Akhtar expressed his desire for India to reach the final of the Champions Trophy to help rejuvenate interest in ODI cricket worldwide.
“India is the brand ambassador of cricket, so if ODI cricket has to survive, India will have to reach the final. Look, India did not win the 2023 ODI World Cup. Yes, Australia won but ODI cricket did not benefit from it, people do not talk much about it. Now if India had won there, ODI cricket would have been promoted everywhere. In such a situation, I want India to reach the final of the Champions Trophy,” explained Akhtar.
Discussing Pakistan’s prospects, Akhtar expressed optimism about Pakistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy, highlighting their strong recent performances in ODIs. He emphasized the significance of Pakistan hosting the event and hoped the home team would capitalize on the advantage to reach the finals. Akhtar’s confidence stems from both form and national pride.
“Look, the Champions Trophy is to be held in Pakistan. Pakistan has shown good performance in ODIs in recent times. Pakistan is the host country and I will fully hope that Pakistan also reaches the finals,” added Akhtar.
