Former captain advises Pakistan team ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

The 56-year-old highlighted Pakistan's strength in spin bowling

By Web Desk
January 23, 2025
Pakistan team celebrating after winning the ODI series 2-1 against Australia in Perth on November 10, 2024. - AFP

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif urged the national team to adopt a positive and aggressive approach as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During a recent interview, Latif expressed his belief that the defending champions have the potential to retain their title. 

He emphasised that the team’s mentality should focus on aggression and attacking cricket, especially since Pakistan will be hosting the prestigious event, marking a significant moment in the nation’s cricketing history.

“These are exciting times for a cricket-crazy nation. The world’s top teams will be participating in this mega event,” Rashid said.

The wicket keeper-batter also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in securing the tournament for the country. 

Despite ongoing political tensions, he reassured that Pakistan’s focus should remain solely on cricket, with India’s matches taking place in the UAE.

“I commend the efforts of the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their relentless lobbying with the International Cricket Council (ICC), ensuring that Pakistan gets the opportunity to host this tournament. India will play their matches in the UAE, and that is their business; Pakistan should focus solely on playing attacking cricket,” he said.

He also highlighted Pakistan's strength in spin bowling, with emerging talents expected to play crucial roles in the competition.

“I am confident that our players will seize the opportunity to play in home conditions,” he said. 

“We have quality spinners like mystery bowler Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faisal Akram. Additionally, Salman Ali Agha is a valuable asset,” he noted.

However, the former cricketer voiced concerns over Pakistan’s opening pair.

 With Saim Ayub sidelined due to injury and Abdullah Shafique struggling with form, Rashid noted that the team was facing a dilemma regarding their opening combination. 

“I am worried about Saim Ayub’s injury, and with Abdullah Shafique also out of form, we are left in a bit of a dilemma,” he said. 

He also pointed out that in recent years, Pakistan experimented with several opening combinations, including Abdullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman and Shan Masood.

“While all of these players are talented, finding the right combination could be a challenge,” he said. 

“I am unsure what the selectors are thinking, but perhaps they will opt for Fakhar and Shan Masood as the opening pair. We’ll have to wait and see,” he remarked.

The 56-year-old welcomed the possibility of Fakhar Zaman’s return to the playing XI, seeing it as a positive move.

“If Fakhar returns to full fitness, it would be great for the team. Perhaps the selectors will opt for him and Shan Masood as the opening pair. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Looking ahead to the tournament, Rashid named England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa as the toughest opponents for Pakistan.

“India is always a strong team, but I believe these four sides will present a bigger challenge to Pakistan,” he said.

The eight-team tournament, comprising 15 matches, will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as in Dubai.

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

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi, while the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

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