Former England Test cricketer Ryan Sidebottom termed Pakistan as favourite for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In an exclusive conversation with ARY News, Sidebottom termed the Pakistan team as favourites for the upcoming mega event which will commence on 19th February.
Sidebottom said ”Pakistan will have an advantage of home conditions and are among the favourites for the tournament.”
However, the former left-arm pacer made it clear that he will support his home country in the Champions Trophy 2025.
”As an Englishman, I will support the England team,” he stated.
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While talking about Pakistani bowlers, Sidebottom emphasized the role of hard work in success for their continued success.
”If Pakistani bowlers work harder they can achieve great success,” he added.
During the conversation, the former pacer also revealed his admiration for Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram.
”I am a fan of Wasim Akram and have learned a lot from him,” he added.
Ryan Sidebottom further highlighted the importance of mental strength along with fitness in cricket.
”Pakistani players need to be mentally strong along with maintaining their fitness,” he concluded.
The former English cricketer arrived in Pakistan last Friday to serve as the bowling coach in a private cricket coaching Project.
The initiative aims to nurture young cricketing talent across the country, with the first phase focusing on under-17 players and the second phase dedicated to under-19 cricketers.
Furthermore, 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.
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