Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, believes that in home conditions, Pakistan can be a very dangerous team. Ricky Ponting and Shastri have backed the team to advance to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals.
Both former Australia captain Ricky Ponting and former India head coach Ravi Shastri have called on the Pakistani team to do well in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan has won all three of its bilateral series against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia. However, considering that they haven’t faced full-strength teams and that opener Saim Ayub isn’t playing, there are still concerns about the team.
Pakistan will travel between their home country and Dubai to play matches in the Champions Trophy, where they are drawn with Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand. Shastri and Ponting gave Pakistan the vote of confidence after praising the team’s ability to bowl fast.
Shastri stated on the ICC Review podcast that Pakistan has the depth to perform well at home and would be much more dangerous if they advanced to the tournament’s semifinals. After a seven-and-a-half-year break, Pakistan is hoping to make a good return after having a rough time in the last two ICC trophies, the ODI and T20 World Cups.
“I think Pakistan is the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, has put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.
Shastri has faith in the team’s depth despite the loss of the injured Ayub, who has emerged as a crucial cog in the Pakistani machine.
“Ayub, a vital player, has been missed at the top. However, Pakistan has enough depth to be a threat, particularly at home. It’s anybody’s game after they make it to the semi-finals, in my opinion,” he added.
Shastri is certain that Pakistan would pose a serious threat to any team if they advance to the knockout stages.
“Pakistan is still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous.”
BABAR AZAM KEY FOR PAKISTAN: PONTING
During the same episode, former cricket player Ricky Ponting emphasized Pakistan’s fast bowlers’ abilities and said they could disrupt any batting lineup.
However, Pakistan has an extremely strong fast bowling force. On the same episode, Ponting stated,
“They have the speed and skill to worry any batting line-up, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who have been outstanding in previous series.
However, the former batter contended that Pakistan’s tournament success will be determined by the form of senior batters Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan.
“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and (Mohammad) Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,” Ponting said.
“On any given day, they still have enough talented players to defeat any team. They’ll be right in it if they play well.”
Ponting also recognized the extra dimension that comes with performing in front of one’s own fans. “Playing at home can put pressure on both parties. With the support of your home audience, it may be a powerful motivation. In crucial situations, that assistance can occasionally enable you to go over the line,” Ponting stated.
On February 19, Pakistan will play New Zealand in Karachi to start their Champions Trophy campaign. On February 23, they will play India, their bitter rivals, in Dubai.
