Courtesy: X
With the much-awaited India-Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai 15 days away, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has intensified the rivalry between both countries with his comment during the inauguration ceremony of Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. Sharif said the real task is not just to win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rivals India. He also praised the young Pakistan side and claimed the country supports the team.
"We have a very good side and they have done well in recent times but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India in the upcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation stands behind them," said Pakistan PM while addressing the players at the event.
The Men in Blue will take on the primary hosts Pakistan on February 23, at the Dubai International Stadium. Ahead of the marquee ODI event, both sub-continent nations are engaged in ODI series. India are hosting England for three 50-over matches while Pakistan are in the battle with New Zealand and South Africa in their home tri-series.
Can Pakistan turn the tables?
In recent times, India have completely dominated Pakistan. The 1992 World Cup champions have won only one ODI game against their arch-rivals India in the last 10 years. Their only win in the decade came in the Champions Trophy 2017 final at the Oval. In both teams' last ODI encounter at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in the World Cup 2023, India outclassed the Men in Green to record a convincing seven-wicket win.
Before the famous World Cup success, India registered their biggest 50-over victory against their neighbours with the record 228-run win in the 2023 Asia Cup game at the R. Premadasa Stadium. However, Pakistan supporters are expecting their side to turn the tables in Dubai against Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy.
The Green Army's recent overseas ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa have emboldened their supporters’ confidence. Pakistan will look to defeat quality sides South Africa and New Zealand in the ongoing tri-series to enter the Champions Trophy 2025 confidently.
