Shastri, Ponting weigh in on Pakistan's chances at Champions Trophy
Cricketing greats Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have shared their opinions on Pakistan's prospects at the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, with both saying they could have a big impact.
With Pakistan set to co-host a senior ICC event for the first time since the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 1996, the stakes are higher than ever for the nation.
Shastri, Ponting preview the epic ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 | The ICC Review
Shastri, the former India head coach, has acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with playing at home, particularly in sub-continent conditions.
Despite this, Shastri believes Pakistan possesses the depth and potential to thrive on familiar turf.
"There's always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent – whether it's India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive," Shastri remarked, when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of 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."
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Shastri also touched on the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury.
"They've missed Ayub at the top, and he's a crucial player," Shastri noted.
"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."
Iconic Partnerships - Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan | T20 World Cup
Shastri remains confident that, if they make it through to the knockout stages, Pakistan could pose a serious threat to any team.
"Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they'll be doubly more dangerous," he added.
Ponting echoed Shastri's sentiment while focusing on Pakistan's pace attack and the form of former skipper Babar Azam.
According to Ponting, Pakistan's fast bowling unit could prove to be a game-changer at the tournament.
"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."
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Ponting also highlighted the importance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan in anchoring Pakistan's batting.
"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 said.
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The former Australian captain also acknowledged the added dimension that playing in front of a home crowd can bring.
"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 emphasised that if Pakistan's key players perform to their potential, they'll be a force to be reckoned with.
"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."
Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi. ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 News The ICC Review
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