ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 'Never wanted to miss Jasprit Bumrah' - Pakistan great rubs salt on India's wounds

Pakistan National Cricket Team pace-bowling great Waqar Younis feels that the premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah missing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a huge blow for the India National Cricket Team.

Waqar Younis hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the 'world-class' seamer and said that the India National Cricket Team never wanted to miss his services in the marquee competition.

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Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will not be able to offer his services to the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a lower back injury.

Jasprit Bumrah had suffered a back injury during the last Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Initially, it was reported that the injury was not very serious and he could recover in time for the Champions Trophy.

He was even included in India's squad for the tournament in Pakistan and UAE as the selection committee was positive about his recovery. However, Bumrah was unable to gain full fitness and the selectors were forced to replace him in the squad.

The young pacer Harshit Rana was preferred over Mohammed Siraj as Bumrah's replacement, and he will form a three-man pace-attack with Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh.

Also, the Indian team have strengthened their bowling unit by including Varun Chakravarthy as the fifth spin-bowling option. He replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad, who was named in the original 15-man team.

It is always going to be big - Waqar Younis on India vs Pakistan clash

India and Pakistan will lock horns with each other in the 5th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The high-octane match between India and Pakistan will be hosted by the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.

Speaking about the match, legendary pacer Waqar Younis said that the world is desperately waiting for the IND-PAK match, which will be fantastic.

"It is always going to be big. We all know how important this clash is. The entire world is anxiously waiting for the big day when the two teams face each other after a long time," Waqar told Times of India.

"In fact, we are all eagerly waiting. We will once again witness a fantastic game of cricket on March 23. It is going to be a full house. We can't wait," he said.

It is difficult for any batter to handle him - Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis further talked about Jasprit Bumrah's absence, saying that the batters face difficulty in facing the speedster and India will definitely miss him in the competition.

"He is a world-class bowler—very quick, very aggressive, and very smart. It is difficult for any batter to handle him. India never wanted to miss him," Waqar said.

The bowling great was also asked about Pakistan's chances, and he said that Mohammad Rizwan & Co. are on the right track. He stated:

"They are on the right track. I hope everyone stays fit and injury-free. The cricket schedule is packed these days, so injuries are a major concern. There are teams challenging for this Champions Trophy, and it is going to be a big and exciting tournament."