Ex-Pakistan Captain Gives This Advice To Mohammad Rizwan’s Army For Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s former captain, Mohammad Yousuf, is hopeful that the Green Brigade will have an edge for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, as they are playing in known conditions. They will open the campaign against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led side will hope to defend the title that they earned during the final of the last season against India at the Kennington Oval in South London.

Pakistan’s poor performance in tri-series

Pakistan had an excellent time in the ODI format towards the last year, with three successive ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Their batting and bowling performance cracked at different scenarios to bail them out of trouble.

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But suddenly, their ability dropped in the 50-over format. Once Saim Ayub was injured and failed to take part in the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, the management got a chance to change their batting order. Babar Azam, the number three batter, got a promotion to the opening position.

But none of these plans clicked. They lost the opening game of the tri-series against the Kiwis before their strong middle order helped them chase a huge total against South Africa. But they again struggled against the Mitchell Santer-led side in the final to earn a defeat.

Mohammad Yousuf eliminates Pakistan as a balanced side for the ICC event

The former captain of the side, Mohammad Yousuf, has felt the excitement of them hosting an ICC event 29 years since the 1996 ODI World Cup.

“I am very excited, like any Pakistani. After 29 years, Pakistan is hosting an ICC event. If Pakistan reaches the final, then they will play at home. I wish Pakistan cricket would play exactly the way the PCB has worked to renovate the stadiums.” Yousuf expressed this during a recent interaction on Samaa TV.

For the veteran, India and New Zealand are the two balanced sides for the mega event but reckoned that Rizwan’s army will have the edge as they playing the tournament at home.

“It’s tough to pick. It’s a big tournament. Momentum might swing with anyone. For me, New Zealand looks like the most balanced side. They have a good side as per the subcontinent conditions.” Yousuf elaborated.

“They have three quality fast bowlers and good spinners and have a solid top six in batting. The wicketkeeper is an all-rounder; they have two spin-bowling all-rounders.” The former right-handed batter claimed.

Mohammad Yousuf advises this to Mohammad Rizwan's army ahead of the Champions Trophy

The 50-year-old also has a suggestion for the home side before the Champions Trophy, as he believed that on the turning wickets, it would be vital for the batters to rotate the strike and play fewer dot deliveries.

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“We have played on turning wickets recently and need to play in the gaps against the spinners. Rotate the strike and play fewer dots. Also, We got exposed in the tri-series final against New Zealand and failed to dominate their spinners in the middle overs. You have five fielders in the 30-yard circle; there are too many gaps.” He narrated.

After the clash against the Kiwis, they will fly to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for their mouth-watering clash against India on February 23. The last league game for the side is against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam’s off form at the opening position and Shaheen Afridi’s bowling will be a huge concern for the side. In addition, they sweat over the fitness of the expressive pacer, Harif Rauf.