Sarfaraz Ahmed Makes Bold Prediction To Reveal Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinalists

Sarfaraz Ahmed was Pakistan’s captain when they beat India in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy at the Kennington Oval by defending a huge total. But this time, the pressure will be more on the defending champions as they are hosting the ninth edition of the event.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The other two venues of the country, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Stadium, will also host the tournament. India will play their games at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Sarfaraz Ahmed puts pressure on Babar Azam

The ex-Pakistan captain expressed his excitement for the opening clash of the competition, as it will mark the first senior ICC event in the country since the 1996 ODI World Cup. All three grounds were renovated and are ready to host the mega encounters.

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“Karachi is a fitting host for the opening game, and it will kick-start three weeks of brilliant cricket in a tournament that changed my life. Winning this trophy in 2017 was the best day of my cricket career. Although it is eight years ago now, every June when the anniversary comes around, I see videos on social media, and it gives me goosebumps.” Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed, as quoted by MyKhel.

He puts pressure on their top-class batter, Babar Azam, as a player to watch out for in the event. The right-handed batter, however, has struggled in the 50-over format of late, with two low scores in the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa. His issues started after management opened him in both innings with Fakhar Zaman.

"Pakistan have a good chance of defending that title, and I think they have a strong team. Some of the boys from 2017 are still there, and we're talking about some of the best - especially Babar Azam.” The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain addressed.

Sarfaraz has eliminated the pressure factor on the Mohammad Rizwan-led side for playing at home.

No New Zealand in Sarfaraz Ahmed’s four Champions Trophy 2025 semifinalists

The eight-team tournament will be short and sharp as many strong sides will take on each other to get the best out of them. Afghanistan and Bangladesh may have a say in the event if the ball starts to spin.

“If I had to pick four semi-finalists, I'd probably go for Pakistan, India, Australia, and Afghanistan at this stage, but I would not rule anyone out.” Pakistan’s former captain highlighted.

The 37-year-old reckoned that their fixture against India on February 23 in Dubai will be a special occasion for both sides. The intensity and noise will reach a different stage for the event.

“Whenever we meet, it is a special occasion, and there is so much hype and pressure around it. But as players, you need to stay calm, try and block that noise out, and just play with the same intensity as you would play Australia or any other team.” Sarfaraz Ahmed added.

Ex-Pakistan captain recalls Champions Trophy 2017 final

Sarfaraz Ahmed has also looked back at the encounter of beating India in the final of the 2017 season. Opener Fakhar Zaman smashed a fine century before they broke the defending champions’ back with early wickets of the top order.

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“We changed our mindset from that day. The acrimony was very good for us, we made a couple of changes to the team, and it helped our confidence. We beat South Africa and became unstoppable. Our head coach, Mickey Arthur, and I were so confident we would do well.” The Karachi-born shed light.

“We had come through a tricky series against the West Indies, which was key for 2019 World Cup qualification, and were the bottom-ranked side in the tournament. We felt we had nothing to lose, and so took as much pressure as we could away from the players.” Sarfaraz Ahmed concluded.