Champions Trophy 2025: Dasun Shanaka names this team as favourites

Shanaka also took the opportunity to praise two of Pakistan's standout cricketers

By Web Desk
January 21, 2025
Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka during net session ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 clash against the USA in Florida on May 26, 2024. – AFP

Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka has named Pakistan as the top contender for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place next month.

During a recent interview, Shanaka, who is regarded as one of Sri Lanka's key players, acknowledged Pakistan's strengths and their ability to thrive in front of a home crowd.

"Pakistan will definitely give a fight in the Champions Trophy," Shanaka confidently remarked.

While Pakistan was his clear favourite, the all-rounder was quick to acknowledge that other teams like Australia, India and England are also strong contenders in the tournament.

"They are also top contenders; you cannot write them off," he said.

Shanaka also took the opportunity to praise two of Pakistan's standout cricketers—Fakhar Zaman and Azam Khan.

Regarding Zaman, he commended his consistent performances for Pakistan. 

"Fakhar Zaman has proven time and again how good he is. He is a very talented player, and watching him play is always a treat," Shanaka said.

It is pertinent to mention that the eight-team tournament, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – in Pakistan and Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

For the unversed, Pakistan remains the only team out of the eight participating nations yet to officially announce its squad for the upcoming tournament.

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