Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting believe Pakistan will be a formidable force at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing home advantage, a potent pace attack, and key match-winners as reasons why they could excel.
With Pakistan set to co-host a senior ICC event for the first time since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, the tournament carries added significance for the nation.
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Former India head coach Shastri emphasised the unique challenges and expectations that come with playing in subcontinental conditions but asserted that Pakistan has the squad to thrive under pressure.
“There’s always pressure when you play at home in the subcontinent – whether it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive,” Shastri said in a conversation on The ICC Review. “But I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa.”
Shastri acknowledged the absence of young opener Saim Ayub due to injury but remains confident in Pakistan’s squad depth.
“They’ve missed Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player,” he admitted. “But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game.”
He further stressed that if Pakistan reaches the knockout stages, they could prove to be one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.
“Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous,” he added.
Ponting, the former Australian captain, echoed Shastri’s views, particularly highlighting Pakistan’s strong pace attack and the role of star batter Babar Azam.
“I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill,” Ponting told The ICC Review. “But Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up.”
Ponting also pointed out the importance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan in anchoring Pakistan’s batting line-up.
“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,” he remarked.
The former World Cup-winning captain also noted how playing at home could be both a challenge and a boost.
“The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments.”
Ponting concluded by reinforcing Pakistan’s potential to beat any team if they perform to their ability.
“They’ve still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day,” he said. “If they play well, they’ll be right in it.”