Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has named Pakistan as his top pick to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19, 2025. Gavaskar believes Pakistan’s home advantage will prove crucial, making them the favorites for the tournament.
The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, but due to political and logistical challenges, all of India’s matches will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Gavaskar emphasized that playing on home turf gives teams an extra edge, noting that Pakistan’s familiarity with the pitches, local conditions, and the home crowd support puts them in a strong position heading into the competition.
Reflecting on India’s impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they won 10 consecutive matches before losing in the final, Gavaskar praised the Indian team but pointed to Pakistan as the team to beat in the Champions Trophy. He stressed that while India’s dominance was remarkable, Pakistan’s advantage of playing on home soil gives them a unique edge.
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. A total of 15 matches will be played, with the opening match between host Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. However, the most anticipated clash of the tournament is the high-stakes match between Pakistan and India, scheduled for February 23 in Dubai, which is expected to draw massive attention from fans worldwide and further intensify their historic rivalry.
As the tournament draws near, Gavaskar’s prediction adds to the excitement, leaving cricket fans eagerly awaiting to see whether Pakistan can live up to expectations on their home ground.
