Ravi Shastri And Ricky Ponting Give Final Verdict On Pakistan's Chances In ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting discussed the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan when discussing Pakistan’s chances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan and the UAE will host the eight-team event from February 19 to March 9.

This is the first ICC event to be hosted by the Asian Country since the 1996 World Cup and will be played in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan Dubai will host all the India matches and one semi-final and final, in case India qualifies.

Cricket greats Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have both expressed their views on the Asian Country's chances at the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, claiming they might have a significant impact.

The Asian Country is ready to co-host a senior ICC event for the first time since the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 1996, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous: Ravi Shastri

Shastri, the former India head coach, has acknowledged the enormous pressure that comes with performing at home, especially in subcontinent conditions. Despite this, Shastri believes that the Men in Green have the depth and potential to prosper in familiar territory.

"There’s always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent – whether it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive. But I think the Men in Green are the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa,” Shastri said on ICC Review.

Shastri also discussed the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

"They've missed Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player. But the Men in Green has enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game,” he added.

Shastri is confident that if they reach the knockout rounds, the Men in Green will pose a major challenge to any team.

"They are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous," he added.

Their Fast bowling brigade is very, very good: Ricky Ponting

Ponting shared Shastri's sentiments while concentrating on their pace attack and the performance of former captain Babar Azam. According to Ponting, their quick bowling unit might be a game-changer in the tournament.

"I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill. But Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up,” Ponting said.

Ponting also highlighted the importance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan in anchoring their batting

"Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous. The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments,” Ponting said.

Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.

Also read: Haris Rauf In Danger Of Missing ICC Champions Trophy 2025