Cricket legends Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have expressed their thoughts on Pakistan’s prospects for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, suggesting that the team could make a significant impact. With Pakistan co-hosting a major ICC event for the first time since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1996, expectations are running high.
Shastri, the former head coach of India, highlighted the immense pressure of playing in home conditions, particularly in the subcontinent, where cricket is followed with unparalleled passion. Despite this, he remains optimistic about Pakistan’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“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,” Shastri remarked on The ICC Review. “But I think Pakistan, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have shown they can perform, especially in South Africa.”
Shastri also pointed out the absence of young batting sensation Saim Ayub due to injury but remains confident in Pakistan’s depth. “They’ve missed Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player. 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.”
If Pakistan reaches the knockout stages, Shastri believes they will be formidable contenders. “Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous,” he added.
Ponting, a former Australian captain, echoed Shastri’s sentiments while praising Pakistan’s pace attack and batting strength. He emphasized that Pakistan’s fast bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, could be a decisive factor in the tournament.
“I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill,” Ponting told The ICC Review. “But Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is top-notch. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been exceptional in recent series, and they have the ability to challenge any batting line-up.”
Ponting also stressed the importance of key batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. “Babar has had mixed form in recent years, but if he and Rizwan deliver, Pakistan becomes an incredibly dangerous side.”
Playing in front of passionate home crowds can be both an advantage and a challenge, but Ponting believes it could serve as extra motivation. “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.”
If Pakistan’s key players perform to their potential, Ponting is convinced they will be a serious force at the Champions Trophy. “They’ve still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day. If they play well, they’ll be right in it.”
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.