Pakistan is all set to host the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, the first ICC tournament in the country after almost three decades. The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event was the 1996 ODI World Cup, which was jointly organized with India.
Last week, the home side announced its squad for the mega event, featuring the return of opening batter Fakhar Zaman, middle-order batter Khushdil Shah, and bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
The Men in Green are expected to deliver a different performance compared to the last two ICC events, considering their recent outings in Australia and South Africa in the ODI format, as well as their home conditions.
Recently, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared his thoughts on the upcoming ICC event, calling Pakistan one of his favorite teams for the tournament.
The legendary batter stated that the Rizwan-led side has played phenomenal cricket in recent times, defeating Australia in Australia and then whitewashing South Africa in their own backyard.
“We know they’re not always the most predictable team in big tournaments, but they seem like they’ve sorted things out a little bit,” he said.
The Green Shirts will kick off their campaign against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi in the tournament’s opening game on February 19. They will then face India and Bangladesh on February 23 and 27, respectively.