
Picture Credit: X
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just over a month away, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has dropped his big take on the highly-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan. Speaking ahead of the tournament and reflecting on the much-awaited rivalry shared between India and Pakistan, Amir opined that Pakistan will have a upper hand over India.
It is to be noted that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to kickoff in Pakistan from February 19. While Pakistan being the host, will open the tournament in a clash against New Zealand whereas they will lock horns with India on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refrained from travelling to the neighbouring nation, citing security concerns.
Pakistan will have the upper hand against India; feels Mohammad Amir
However, India has dominated Pakistan historically across ICC tournaments, having lost just once in the World Cup history shared between the two teams, Amir feels that Pakistan has been in top form and will thus be favourites to beat India. "The way Pakistan has played recently — defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa — shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions,” Amir said, as quoted by Times of India.
“Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India. However, India has always been my favorite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats," he further added. Moreover, the 32-year-old’s statement comes seeing how Pakistan have beaten India thrice in Champions Trophy, out of the five matches.
It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn't there: Mohammad Amir
The former Pakistan fast bowler further added that Jasprit Bumrah’s loss will be a big point in India’s campaign, seeing his performance especially in the recent past. "It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn't there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength," he added.
It is to be noted that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the group stage matches for India in Champions Trophy after encountering swelling in his back. Despite an injury, sources close to BCCI have informed that Bumrah might be named in the provisional squad, but a final call will be taken seeing his recovery as he is set to report at the NCA in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.