Updated 21 February 2025 at 19:56 IST
'Pakistan Are A Little Weaker': Shahid Afridi Makes Colossal Claim Ahead Of Blockbuster IND vs PAK Clash In Champions Trophy
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes Team India will have an advantage over the Champions Trophy hosts. But Yuvraj Singh thinks the contrary.
Champions Trophy 2025: Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi believes Team India would have the edge over Champions Trophy hosts PAK. He believes that Team India has the appropriate strength in their middle and lower order, which has helped them win matches in the past. On the other hand, Pakistan does not possess sustainable players and is considerably weaker against the Men in Blue.
Shahid Afridi Believes Pakistan Would be Weaker Against India In Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy's most exciting match-up will happen on Sunday when team India will lock horns against arch-rivals Pakistan. The match will be essential as the Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue will aim to gain the edge and continue their run as an undefeated side. The Mohammad Rizwan-led Men in Green, on the other hand, have dealt with some severe setbacks lately. All eyes will be upon the mouth-watering clash. Ahead of the competition, Shahid Afridi has offered his take on who would emerge as the better side, and he believes India has the edge over the Champions Trophy hosts.
"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don’t have such players in Pakistan. India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches.
"For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few games, but we don’t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That’s where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area. But the key to winning against India is collective performance — whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners — everyone’s contribution is crucial," Shahid Afridi said during an appearance on a special episode of JioHotstar’s 'Greatest Rivalry Returns'.
India Veteran Yuvraj Singh Counters Afridi's Claims
However, Yuvraj Singh feels the opposite, as he claimed that Pakistan could gain the edge as they have a base in Dubai and they do not need match winners like India has. The former India star added that one player from the Men in Green could change the course and overwhelm the Indian side.
"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well. You talk about match-winners — yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away. The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it’s about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country," Yuvraj Singh said.
Following their victory over Bangladesh, Team India will now face Pakistan in a crucial match for the hosts of the Champions Trophy. If Pakistan loses the match against India, they will essentially not be eligible to compete further. The biggest rivalry in the world will open a new chapter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Published By : Pavitra Shome
Published On: 21 February 2025 at 19:56 IST