Follow UsFormer Pakistan seamer Mohammad Amir believes Pakistan will have the upper hand over India when the two neighbouring countries collide in the 2025 Champions Trophy. India and Pakistan are set to play against each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 2023.
The last time these two teams faced off in the Champions Trophy was in the finale of the 2017 edition, where Amir dismissed Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli in no time to help Pakistan hammer India by 180 runs.
Amir feels that the Indian team are under immense pressure after losing to New Zealand and Australia, while Pakistan have had some impressive wins in the last couple of months.
“The way Pakistan has played recently — defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa — shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions. Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India,” Amir was quoted as saying by Times of India.
“However, India has always been my favourite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats.”
The Men in Blue could also be without their ace paceman, Jasprit Bumrah, who injured his back during the fifth and final Test in Australia. There has been no official update on his injury since then.
“It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn’t there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength," said Amir, who retired from international cricket once again last year.