‘Pakistan have the edge’: Former batter analyses Champions Trophy 2025 favourites

As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, former cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has backed Pakistan as strong contenders for the title. He believes that the Men in Green have an edge over other teams due to their familiarity with local conditions. read more

India and Pakistan are in same group in Champions Trophy 2025 along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. Image: Reuters

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has given Pakistan an edge going into the Champions Trophy 2025 as the Men in Green try to defend their crown. The Champions Trophy 2025 starts on 19 February with Pakistan playing against New Zealand in Karachi in the opener.

Most of the matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Pakistan except for India, who are based out of Dubai.

India and Pakistan are in the same Group A along with New Zealand and Bangladesh. Only the top two teams from the groups will qualify for the semi-finals.

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‘Pakistan have the edge in CT 2025’

Yousuf feels Pakistan are slightly ahead of other teams as far as being the favourite to win the Champions Trophy 2025 is concerned because the Men in Green are playing at home.

“India, too, have a balanced side. Pakistan have the edge because they are playing in home conditions. But they have to play calculated cricket in the tournament," Yousuf told Samaa TV.

Pakistan, who recently lost to New Zealand in a tri-series final, will, however, need to up their game, Yousuf felt. “We have played on turning wickets recently. We need to play in the gaps against the spinners. Rotate the strike and play fewer dots. We got exposed in the tri-series final against New Zealand. We failed to dominate their spinners in the middle overs. There are too many gaps with five fielders in the 30-yard circle.”

Asked to pick the most balanced side, Yousuf went with New Zealand. “New Zealand looks like the most balanced side. They have a good side as per the subcontinent conditions. They have three quality fast bowlers and good spinners. They have a solid top six in batting. The wicketkeeper is an all-rounder; they have two spin-bowling all-rounders,” added Yousuf.

‘Hope Pak cricketers play exactly how PCB worked on stadiums’

The legendary batter also reflected on the return of an ICC tournament to Pakistan. The last they hosted an ICC event was the 1996 World Cup.

“I am very excited like any Pakistani. After 29 years, Pakistan is hosting an ICC event,” Yousuf said. “Kudos to the PCB for the way they renovated all the stadiums in six months. If Pakistan reaches the final, they will play at home. I hope Pakistan cricketers play exactly the way the PCB has worked to prepare the stadiums.”

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