Pakistan top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has highlighted several key players of India, who can play a pivotal role in their team’s success in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Fakhar, in an online press conference, acknowledged the impact of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, emphasizing their ability to shine on the big stage.
“In my opinion, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will be important players for India in the upcoming tournament,” Fakhar said.
Shifting the focus to the playing conditions, Fakhar discussed the evolving nature of pitches in Dubai, a venue that will host several matches.
He highlighted how the traditionally slow pitches have become more competitive, thanks to improved efforts by ground staff.
“Having flat wickets everywhere is not always a good thing. It’s important to play in different conditions,” he added.
Fakhar Zaman also shared his thoughts on the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, lamenting the absence of a home crowd.
“It would have been great if India had come, but these things are out of our control. We will miss the home crowd in a match against India,” he said.
It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
The eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.
In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.
Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.
Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.
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