Cricketing legends Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting are both backing Pakistan to make a significant impact in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted in the country for the first time since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
In separate interviews, both Shastri and Ponting highlighted key factors that could propel Pakistan to success on home soil, despite the added pressure of playing before passionate local fans.
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, acknowledged the immense pressure of playing in the subcontinent, where expectations are always sky‑high. However, he believes that Pakistan’s recent performances—particularly in South Africa—demonstrate that the team has both the depth and potential to succeed under demanding conditions.
“There’s always pressure when you play at home in the subcontinent – whether it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive,” Shastri said. “But I think Pakistan, with the exposure they’ve had over the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances.” He further added, “I would say they should qualify for the semi‑finals, and from there, it’s anyone’s game.”
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, echoed Shastri’s confidence with a focus on Pakistan’s fast‑bowling unit. With key contributions from Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s pace attack has been in formidable form, and Ponting is confident it could prove decisive.
“Pakistan’s fast‑bowling brigade, led by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, who have been terrific in recent series, has the pace and skill to trouble any batting lineup,” Ponting said. He also emphasized the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchoring Pakistan’s batting, noting that if these two can return to their best form, the team will become incredibly dangerous. Ponting added, “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.”
Although Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy did not get off to a strong start with a loss to New Zealand in the tri‑series opener, Mohammad Rizwan’s team is more than capable of upsetting any opposition once it finds its stride.
As the tournament approaches, Pakistan’s chances will likely depend on its key players rising to the occasion. With a team full of X‑factors, Pakistan is more than capable of challenging for the title on home soil—a fact both Shastri and Ponting are keenly aware of.
