ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Kamran Akmal drops a colossal prediction on India and Pakistan's fortunes

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has rated Pakistan's chances of winning the Champions Trophy 2025 title. Akmal doesn't seem to be confident of the team doing well as he feels that there are many loopholes within the squad.

While Kamran Akmal doesn't even see Pakistan making it to the semi-finals, he rated India very highly. The former wicketkeeper called the Men in Blue as "clear favorites" to win the title and a deserving team to make it to the final.

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Kamran Akmal makes a bold prediction about Pakistan's chances

During a conversation with Hindustan Times, Kamran Akmal was asked about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy. However, the former wicketkeeper wasn't too convinced with the team composition and admitted that the team looked weaker when compared to the other teams.

"Pakistan ki team aisi hai chal jaaye toh chand tak, warna shaam tak (Pakistan's team is like, if it does well, it will reach all the heights, otherwise it will go down in no time)," said Akmal.

"Our team has many loopholes. The bowling is struggling. Spinners are not there. The openers are struggling. I don't know what the selectors and the captain thought. Even our chairman gave his approval. Let's see how things unfold. The rest of the teams look much more balanced," he added.

Pakistan selected just one specialist spinner in their squad in the form of Abrar Ahmed. Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah are the other spin bowlers in the team but both of them are part-time bowling options.

Kamran Akmal predicts semi-finalists of the Champions Trophy

Further speaking in the same conversation, Kamran Akmal predicted his four semi-finalists for the Champions Trophy 2025. He didn't include Pakistan in the list as he feels that the team is not capable of reaching that far.

In a big surprise, Akmal didn't even include Australia as their side has been depleted with various injury concerns. He also slammed the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi approving a weak team and accused him of inexperience in cricket.

"We could have announced a better team. I think India, New Zealand, England, and South Africa will make the semi-finals. Australia is depleted because of injuries to five key players," Akmal noted.

"I don't know the thought process behind picking such a Pakistan team. The chairman hasn't played that much cricket; he doesn't understand matters, perhaps, so he gave his approval for such a team," he added.

"India look clear favourites" - Kamran Akmal

Akmal further termed India as the favorite to make it to the final of the Champions Trophy but feels that it will be a big achievement for Pakistan if they make it to the semi-final.

"India look clear favourites; they deserve to play the final. But I can't say the same about Pakistan. If they make the semi-final, I would consider it a big achievement," the opener added.

Pakistan will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. On the next day, Team India will play its first match against Bangladesh in Dubai.

After their opening matches, both teams will play a highly anticipated game against each other on February 23 in Dubai. It will be an important match for both the teams and they will be under high pressure.