Champions Trophy: Pakistan PM predicts tough match against arch-rivals India
What's the story
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted the significance of his country's cricket team defeating India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, scheduled to begin on February 19, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. Sharif said he was rooting for the team and that beating India would be a huge task. The highly-anticipated clash between the two nations will be held on February 23 in Dubai.
PM's faith
Sharif expresses confidence in team's performance
Sharif also expressed confidence in Pakistan's cricket team, saying they have been doing well lately. He stressed that their main objective is not just to win the Champions Trophy but also to beat India. "We have a very good side and they have done well in recent times but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India," Sharif said as quoted by PTI.
Historic moment
Champions Trophy marks significant event for Pakistan
Sharif emphasized the importance of Pakistan hosting an ICC event after nearly three decades. The last time they co-hosted an ICC event was the 1996 ODI World Cup, along with India and Sri Lanka. "It is a big occasion for Pakistan that we are hosting a big ICC event after nearly 29 years. I have full confidence that our team will continue to make the nation proud in the upcoming Champions Trophy," he added.
Stadium inauguration
Gaddafi Stadium renovation celebrated with grand ceremony
The renovated Gaddafi Stadium was inaugurated in a grand ceremony attended by several prominent personalities. These included politicians, government officials, PCB representatives, members of the national men's cricket team, PSL franchise owners, and former PCB chairmen Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi. The event also featured performances by renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig.
Past victories
Pakistan's track record in Champions Trophy and H2H vs India
Pakistan are the defending champions of the Champions Trophy, having won the last edition by thrashing India. They have an upper hand over India in the tournament, having won three out of five matches. Meanwhile, in ODIs, India and Pakistan have faced each other in 135 matches. Out of these 135 games, India have won 57 whereas Pakistan have come out victorious on 73 occasions. Five matches ended without a result.