With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin on February 19, predictions and discussions are in full swing. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has named his semi-final contenders, backing both India and Pakistan to make the cut.
However, the legendary pacer did not name a fourth team, leaving his selection incomplete for now. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a highly competitive tournament, with only eight teams divided into two groups of four. The format ensures that every match will be crucial, adding to the intensity.
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Surprisingly, Akhtar has left out defending ODI World Cup champions Australia, instead choosing Afghanistan as a potential semi-finalist. He believes that if Afghanistan plays with maturity, they can secure a spot in the final four.
Afghanistan has built a reputation as a “Giant Killer” in ICC tournaments, frequently upsetting top teams. Their impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they finished sixth, further strengthens their case as serious contenders.
“If Afghanistan’s team shows maturity during the event, they could make it to the semi-finals,” said in a media interaction in Dubai, as quoted by CricketPakistan.com.
“I believe Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan will reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy,” Akhtar added.
Meanwhile, excitement is building for the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash on February 23. Akhtar has confidently backed Pakistan to win and expressed hope that the two arch-rivals will meet again in the final.
“I’m hopeful that Pakistan will defeat India on February 23. In fact, I believe that both Pakistan and India should also meet in the final of the tournament,” Akhtar stated.
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India and Pakistan last met in ICC Champions Trophy during the 2017 final, where Pakistan secured a massive 180-run victory. The defeat was a major setback for India, as Pakistan claimed their first-ever Champions Trophy title.
