Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has revealed the winner of the high-octane clash between Pakistan and India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
During an interview on Sky Sports, Hussain named India the most likely team to win the much-awaited encounter, set to be played on 23 February in Dubai.
“It’s the biggest game in all of cricket here in Dubai—India, Pakistan, one of the great rivalries, a rerun of the 2017 final where Pakistan won. India are favorites,” said Hussain.
The cricketer-turned-commentator further highlighted the strength of Team India, recognizing the absence of their premier bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.
“They are the best side; they are the number one ranked side. They are without Bumrah, the best player on the planet—not just the best bowler, the best cricketer on the planet right now—and you know that will hurt them,” he said.
He also highlighted the depth of India’s squad, calling them a side to beat in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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“With the batting depth and spin options they have, and Shami maybe just coming back from injury and getting a few more overs into him, India are the side to beat without a doubt,” he added.
Nasser Hussain named Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman as the potential standout player of the tournament.
“There’s plenty on all the sides really. I like Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan to have a good tournament. He got that 100 at the Oval in 2017.”
“He’s been out of the side recently, but he’s just come back in, and with Pakistan, if they can have a great tournament at home, that will go a long way for their cricket and what they’ve missed at home,” said the former captain.
Hussain further commented on the importance of the hosting Champions Trophy for Pakistan and the excitement surrounding the marquee event.
“Pakistan hasn’t hosted a major ICC event since the 1996 World Cup. I know they have done a lot of work on their grounds, and they are hugely excited to have the ICC event there, so it’s a big thing for them,” he concluded.
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