As Pakistan prepares to host its first ICC event in 29 years, the legendary batter Mohammad Yousuf has expressed his excitement and confidence in the national team’s ability to perform well on home soil. The Champions Trophy, which kicks off with Pakistan’s clash against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium on Wednesday, is a significant moment for both the country and its cricketing future.
Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf feels that India and New Zealand are the most balanced sides for the upcoming Champions Trophy. While he chose these two teams among the favorites, he also believes that home side Pakistan will have an edge. Legendary Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf believes that New Zealand and India are the most balanced sides heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, he feels Pakistan will have an advantage as they will be playing in home conditions.
India and New Zealand come into this Champions Trophy on the back of fantastic wins under their belt. India blanked England 3-0 in the three-match ODI series while New Zealand won the tri-series involving Pakistan and South Africa.
Mohammad Yousuf excited about Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan
Mohammad Yousuf praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its remarkable effort in renovating all the stadiums in record time, saying it was a testament to the board’s dedication to improving the sport.
“I am very excited like any Pakistani. After 29 years, Pakistan is hosting an ICC event,” Yousuf told Samaa TV.
“Kudos to the PCB for the way they renovated all the stadiums in six months. If Pakistan reaches the final, they will play at home. I hope Pakistan cricket plays exactly the way the PCB has worked to prepare the stadiums.”
Pakistan hosted an ICC event for the last time in 1996 when the ODI World Cup was played in the country. Pakistan jointly hosted the World Cup during that time alongside India and Sri Lanka. The Champions Trophy 2025 is the first ICC tournament in the country since 1996.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the tournament, Yousuf remains realistic about Pakistan’s challenges, recognising New Zealand and India as the two most balanced teams in the competition. He highlighted New Zealand’s strength in subcontinent conditions, with a solid top order, a well-rounded spin attack, and quality fast bowlers.
India, New Zealand the most balanced sides, claims Mohammad Yousuf
When asked about the most balanced sides of the tournament, Mohammad Yousuf picked India and New Zealand as the ones. Yousuf feels that New Zealand have a good side according to these conditions in both the batting and bowling department.
“They have a good side as per the subcontinent conditions. They have three quality fast bowlers and good spinners. They have a solid top six in batting. The wicketkeeper is an all-rounder; they have two spin-bowling all-rounders. India, too, has a balanced side,” Yousuf observed.
“New Zealand looks like the most balanced side. They have a good side as per the subcontinent conditions. They have three quality fast bowlers and good spinners. They have a solid top six in batting. The wicketkeeper is an all-rounder; they have two spin-bowling all-rounders,” said Yousuf.
India, too, are seen as a formidable opponent, but Yousuf believes Pakistan has the advantage of playing on home turf, which could prove to be a crucial factor.
“India, too, have a balanced side. Pakistan have the edge because they are playing in home conditions. But they have to play calculated cricket in the tournament.”
Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent performances, Yousuf offered some valuable advice to the team.
“We have played on turning wickets recently. We need to play in the gaps against the spinners. Rotate the strike and play fewer dots. We got exposed in the tri-series final against New Zealand. We failed to dominate their spinners in the middle overs. There are too many gaps with five fielders in the 30-yard circle.”
However, the former batter feels that Pakistan have the edge of playing in familiar home conditions that will suit their style. Mohammad Yousuf also advised Pakistan to play calculated cricket in the tournament and rotate strike against the spinners.
“Pakistan has the edge because they are playing in home conditions. But they have to play calculated cricket in the tournament. We have played on turning wickets recently. We need to play in the gaps against the spinners. Rotate the strike and play fewer dots,” Yousuf added.
Pakistan will begin their campaign on February 19 against New Zealand at Karachi. It is the same opposition that they faced in the tri-series final recently. The Men in Green will then travel to Dubai to face arch-rivals India. They will then play Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi in their final group match. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-final. Recently, Pakistan lost the tri-series final in Karachi to New Zealand which has raised questions over their capability.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.