KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan has expressed optimism about Pakistan’s prospects in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, backing the team to defend their title successfully.
The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 10. The matches will be played at the three venues of Pakistan – Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore, while at least four matches will be hosted by Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a local cricket league in Karachi, Younis highlighted the national team’s recent strong performances against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa as indicators of their strong momentum.
I believe the team can make it to the victory stand in the Champions Trophy and lift the national flag,” Younis said.
He also underlined the significance of renewing the cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and India. According to Younis, such encounters not only elevate the sport’s profile but can also contribute to improving diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries.
Younis stressed the importance of community cricket in fostering fresh talent. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to prioritise grassroots cricket.
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The ICC Champions Trophy will kick off with a Group A fixture involving Defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19.
The second group match of Pakistan will be against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on February 23. The hosts will play their third and final group match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi against Bangladesh on February 27.
Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa are placed in Group B.
The top two sides from each group will play the semi-finals, with the first semi-final scheduled at the DICS on March 4. The second semi-final will be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 5. Both the semi-finals have been allotted reserve days as well.
The final of the mega tournament is scheduled on March 9, with the venue, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium or Dubai’s Dubai International Cricket Stadium, to be confirmed closer to the match. March 10 will be the reserve day for the final.
