Shastri & Ponting Sound the Alarm: Pakistan Could Be the Dark Horse in Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s Home Advantage & Fiery Pace Attack Make Them a Major Contender
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have both labeled Pakistan as a major threat, citing their explosive fast-bowling attack and home advantage. With Pakistan hosting an ICC event independently for the first time, expectations are sky-high, and cricketing experts believe that Babar Azam’s side could go all the way.
This isn’t just another ICC tournament for Pakistan—it’s a chance to prove their dominance in home conditions and make a statement against the world’s best teams. But can they handle the pressure or will the weight of expectations work against them?
Ravi Shastri: “Pakistan Can Beat Any Team on Their Day”
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledges the massive expectations Pakistan will face playing at home, but he believes they have the talent to thrive under pressure.
“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 told The ICC Review.
Despite this, Shastri is confident that Pakistan’s exposure to high-level white-ball cricket in recent months, particularly their strong performances in South Africa, has made them a well-rounded and dangerous side.
🚨 Key Strengths According to Shastri:
- Experience in high-pressure white-ball games
- A powerful pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi
- Depth in their batting despite injury setbacks
However, one major concern is the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
“They’ve missed Ayub at the top—he’s a crucial player,”
Shastri noted
Even without him, Pakistan’s depth and quality should be enough to make them semi-final contenders.
“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.”
Shastri’s boldest statement? If Pakistan makes it to the knockout stages, they could become the most dangerous team in the tournament.
“Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous.”
Ricky Ponting: “Pakistan’s Fast Bowling Can Tear Through Any Lineup”
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting echoed Shastri’s warning, emphasizing that Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack could be the defining factor of the Champions Trophy.
“Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting lineup.”
🚨 Pakistan’s Fast-Bowling Strength:
- Shaheen Afridi – One of the most lethal new-ball bowlers in the world
- Naseem Shah – Consistently troubling top-order batters with raw pace
- Haris Rauf & Wasim Jr. – Unpredictable, aggressive, and capable of rattling opposition
Ponting believes that Pakistan’s pacers are their biggest weapon and could define the tournament if they hit top form.
“If they play well, they’ll be right in it.”
The Babar Azam Factor: Can He Lead Pakistan to ICC Glory?
Ponting also highlighted the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in stabilizing Pakistan’s batting order. While Babar’s recent inconsistency has raised concerns, Ponting insists that he remains one of the most dangerous batters in the world.
“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-game, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous.”
With Pakistan’s pace attack capable of winning games on its own, Babar’s form will be crucial in ensuring they post competitive totals and don’t rely solely on their bowlers to bail them out.
Home Advantage: A Blessing or a Curse for Pakistan?
While playing at home can be a huge advantage, it also comes with immense pressure. Ponting acknowledged this, stating that home conditions can either fuel Pakistan’s momentum or lead to unnecessary pressure moments.
“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.”
Pakistan’s success will depend on how well they handle these expectations. With massive crowds expected for their games, will the roaring home support drive them to victory, or will it become an added burden?
🚨 Could Pakistan Be the Dark Horse to Win It All?
Shastri and Ponting agree on one thing—Pakistan have the firepower to beat any team on their day.
“They’ve still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day,”
Ponting stated
For Pakistan to Win the Champions Trophy, They Need:
- Babar Azam and Rizwan to deliver consistent runs.
- Shaheen Afridi & Naseem Shah to dominate with the ball.
- Handling home pressure without losing focus.
With the right balance of experience and youth, Pakistan could be the most unpredictable and dangerous team in the tournament.
Champions Trophy 2025 – Pakistan’s Road to Glory Begins
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19, with hosts and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
📅 Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
🏏 vs New Zealand – February 19 (Karachi)
🏏 vs Bangladesh – February 22 (Lahore)
🏏 vs India – February 23 (Dubai)
Can Pakistan Silence Their Critics and Win at Home?
Shastri and Ponting have made it clear—Pakistan is a team no one can afford to take lightly. With the home crowd, a fiery pace attack, and a well-rounded squad, this could be Pakistan’s best shot at ICC silverware since their 2017 Champions Trophy triumph.
What do you think? Can Pakistan rise to the occasion and lift the Champions Trophy on home soil? Or will the pressure be too much? Share your thoughts below!
