‘Pakistan are nonetheless very, very harmful’: Shastri, Ponting clarify why the hosts are a formidable drive at ICC Champions Trophy | Cricket Information

Pakistan cricketers (X Picture)

Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting imagine Pakistan shall be a formidable drive on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing house benefit, a potent tempo assault, and key match-winners as explanation why they might excel.
With Pakistan set to co-host a senior ICC occasion for the primary time for the reason that 1996 Cricket World Cup, the match carries added significance for the nation.
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Former India head coach Shastri emphasised the distinctive challenges and expectations that include enjoying in subcontinental situations however asserted that Pakistan has the squad to thrive underneath stress.
“There’s at all times stress whenever you play at house within the subcontinent – whether or not it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are large,” Shastri mentioned in a dialog on The ICC Overview. “However I believe Pakistan are the type of facet that, with the publicity they’ve had within the final six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some actually sturdy performances, particularly in South Africa.”
Shastri acknowledged the absence of younger opener Saim Ayub because of damage however stays assured in Pakistan’s squad depth.
“They’ve missed Ayub on the prime, and he’s a vital participant,” he admitted. “However Pakistan have sufficient depth to be harmful, particularly in house situations. I’d say they need to qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anybody’s recreation.”

He additional harassed that if Pakistan reaches the knockout levels, they might show to be one of the crucial harmful groups within the competitors.
“Pakistan are nonetheless very, very harmful, and in the event that they qualify, they’ll be doubly extra harmful,” he added.
Ponting, the previous Australian captain, echoed Shastri’s views, significantly highlighting Pakistan’s sturdy tempo assault and the function of star batter Babar Azam.
“I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality participant, and his absence is a large hole to fill,” Ponting informed The ICC Overview. “However Pakistan’s quick bowling brigade could be very, excellent. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in latest collection, they’ve the tempo and ability to hassle any batting line-up.”

Ponting additionally identified the significance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan in anchoring Pakistan’s batting line-up.
“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent times, but when he and Rizwan can convey their A-games, that’s when Pakistan turns into extremely harmful,” he remarked.
The previous World Cup-winning captain additionally famous how enjoying at house might be each a problem and a lift.
“The stress of enjoying at house can work each methods. It may be an actual motivator, particularly with the house crowd behind you. That help can typically show you how to cross the road in large moments.”
Ponting concluded by reinforcing Pakistan’s potential to beat any group in the event that they carry out to their skill.
“They’ve nonetheless acquired sufficient high-quality gamers to beat any group on any given day,” he mentioned. “In the event that they play nicely, they’ll be proper in it.”