Pakistan vice-captain Salman Agha has shared his perspective on the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, notably the high-stakes conflict between Pakistan and India. The distinguished match will start on February 19 in Pakistan, with India’s matches set to happen within the Dubai. Among the many most anticipated fixtures is the India-Pakistan encounter, scheduled for February 23 on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium.
Beating India or lifting the Champions Trophy? Pakistan’s Salman Agha settles the controversy
Whereas the match carries immense significance for each groups and their supporters, Salman believed that the larger goal for Pakistan is to carry the Champions Trophy somewhat than solely specializing in defeating India. Talking on the PCB podcast, Salman highlighted the emotional weight of the India-Pakistan rivalry however harassed the significance of sustaining a broader perspective.
“The ambiance of an India-Pakistan match is not like another. Folks name it the largest sport on the earth, and the depth is all the time at its peak. However on the finish of the day, it is only one match in a match. Profitable the Champions Trophy as a workforce ought to be our final aim, somewhat than celebrating a single victory,” Salman said.
Regardless of prioritizing the general match aim, Salman didn’t downplay the importance of the India-Pakistan contest and acknowledged the strain that comes with it. Whereas talking concerning the extremely anticipated conflict, he maintained that each participant within the squad is raring to present their finest in opposition to their arch-rivals. Nonetheless, he reiterated {that a} single victory, irrespective of how vital, wouldn’t imply a lot if the workforce fails to win the match.
“After all, all of us wish to win in opposition to India, and we are going to do every little thing we will to make it occur. I personally intention to present my finest efficiency in that match. If we defeat India however fail to win the Champions Trophy, then there isn’t any actual profit. But when, Allah forbid, we lose to India however go on to carry the trophy, that will be the largest achievement,” Salman concluded.
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Pakistan’s Roadmap within the Champions Trophy
With the main focus firmly set on going the space within the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will start their marketing campaign in opposition to New Zealand on February 19 earlier than taking up India in Dubai on February 23. Their remaining group-stage match might be in opposition to Bangladesh on February 27, which might be essential in figuring out their pathway to the knockout stage.
Underneath the management of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan might be eager on making a powerful assertion, particularly after their inconsistent performances in current ICC occasions. Given their wealthy historical past within the Champions Trophy, having gained the title in 2017 with a convincing victory over India, Pakistan might be keen to duplicate that success and etch their identify within the historical past books as soon as once more.
