The legendary Kripket Ravi Shastra and Ricky Ponting analyzed the chances of Pakistan for the upcoming champion trophy. Both cricket greats believe that Pakistan can use a home advantage that makes them a team to look out for.
While Ravi Shastra claimed that Pakistan would be pressured in front of his domestic audience, Ponting spoke of a powerful fast -bowing team that is strong enough to pass over the line.
The 2025 champion trophy is the first ICC tournament in Pakistan after 29 years. The last tournament hosted in the country was back in 1996, when Pakistan jointly hosted the Odu World Cup.
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Pakistan will be under pressure – Ricky Ponting
While talking to an ICC review, Ravi Shastra illuminated the chances of Pakistan in the upcoming champion trophy. Shastre thinks the home side will be pressured for expectations, but they have recently been in good shape.
“There is always pressure when you play at home on the undercontinent-it is that it is India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Pakistani’s screaming are massive,” Ravi Shastra said.
“But I think Pakistan is the kind that, with the exposure they had in the last six to eight months in a white ball crisis, made some really strong performances, especially in South Africa,” the former head of India added.
Pakistan defeated South Africa last December in a 3-0 series. The victory of the historic series on Away’s soil came after their series in Australia earlier. They started entering the slot under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan.
Ravi Shastri on the absence of Saima Ayuba
Ravi Shastra also shared his thoughts about the absence of a young opener Saima Ayub. Former India Allround believes that Ayub’s inaccessibility will affect Pakistan, but they have enough depth in their ranks to carry them further.
“They missed (Saim) Ayub at the top, and he is a key player. But Pakistan has enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semifinals and from there anyone is playing,” Ravi added Shastri.
Saim Ayub was injured during a Pakistani test series in South Africa. He suffered an ankle injury and immediately flew to London for further treatment. However, he was not able to be in line with time and was excluded from the entire champion trophy.
Ricky Ponting analyzes Pakistan’s chances
Australia’s legendary captain Ricky Ponting also believes that the absence of Saima Ayub will harm Pakistan. However, he has faith in a strong line of fast bowling team and believes they have skills to problematize any composition
“Saim Ayub is a high quality player, and his absence is a huge gap for filling. But the Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. He was led by Shaheen Afida and SPO SHAH, who were great in a recent series, they have a pace and skill to There are any bump setting, “Ponting remarked.
The former Australian skipper also illuminated the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Feels Babar and Rizwan
“Babar (Azam) has been a little worse and down in recent years, but if he and (Mohammad) Rizwan can bring his A-star, then Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,” Ponting said.
“The pressure of playing at home can work in both directions. It can be a real motivator, especially with the homebell behind you. This support can sometimes help you to cross the line at big moments,” he added.
Pakistan will arrive at this tournament as veterans, winning it back in 2017 by winning India in the finals. Recently, they were in good shape in ODIS, after registering the Zada winning victories over Australia and South Africa (both are).
Champion trophy 2025. It will be played in three cities of Pakistan along with Dubai. Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi will host the tournament in Pakistan. While all teams will play their matches in Pakistan, Dubai will be played in Dubai for a hybrid model.
