“Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous” - Ravi Shastri ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri has opened up on Pakistan’s chances of making it big in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to start on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.

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The former Indian head coach Shastri is of strong opinion that the hosts Pakistan have enough depth in their line-up to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. He also stated that Pakistan have good enough chances to make it to the semi-final.

“But Pakistan have 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,” Ravi Shastri said.

Shastri also asserted that the Asian teams will find it tough to make it big in the Champions Trophy 2025 as the expectations on these sides will be massive. With Pakistan recently defeating South Africa away from home by 3-0 in the ODI series, Shastri feels Men In Green are favorites. 

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“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 Pakistan 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 added.

Former Australian captain and commentator Ricky Ponting also had his say on Pakistan and their incredible fast-bowling battery. He added that Pakistan have enough pace to trouble any batting line-up in the showpiece event.

“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.

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Pakistan will take on New Zealand on February 19, against India on February 23, and against Bangladesh on February 27 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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