ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravi Shastri, Ricky Ponting warn India & others about 'dangerous' Pakistan

Legendary cricketers Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have analyzed Pakistan's chances for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Both the cricketing greats feel that Pakistan can use the home advantage which makes them the team to watch out for.

While Ravi Shastri claimed that Pakistan will be under pressure in front of their home crowd, Ponting spoke about the team's potent fast bowling line-up that is potent enough to carry them across the line.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is the first ICC tournament in Pakistan after a gap of 29 years. The last tournament hosted in the country was way back in 1996 when Pakistan jointly hosted the ODI World Cup.

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Pakistan will be under pressure - Ricky Ponting

While speaking to The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri shed light on Pakistan's chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Shastri feels that the home side will be under pressure because of the expectations but they have been in good form recently.

"There’s always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent – whether it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive," Ravi Shastri said.

"But I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa," the former India head coach added.

Pakistan defeated South Africa in the three-match ODI series 3-0 in December last year. The historic series win on away soil came after their series win in Australia earlier. They have started to get into the ODI groove under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan.

Ravi Shastri on Saim Ayub's absence

Ravi Shastri also shared his thoughts on the absence of young opener Saim Ayub. The former India allrounder feels that Ayub's unavailability will affect Pakistan but they have enough depth in their ranks to carry them further.

"They've missed (Saim) Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player. But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game," Ravi Shastri added.

Saim Ayub got injured during Pakistan's Test series in South Africa. He suffered an ankle injury and was immediately flown to London for further treatment. However, he was unable to be fit in time and was ruled out of the entire Champions Trophy.

Ricky Ponting analyses Pakistan's chances

Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting also feels that Saim Ayub's absence will hurt Pakistan. However, he has faith in the team's strong fast bowling line-up and believes that they have the skills to trouble any line-up

"Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill. But Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up," Ponting noted.

The former Australian skipper also shed light on the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He feels that Babar and Rizwan

"Babar (Azam) 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.

"The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments," he added.

Pakistan will arrive in this tournament as the defending champions, having won it back in 2017 by defeating India in the final. They have been in good form in ODIs recently, having registered ODI series wins over Australia and South Africa (both of them away).

The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan's three cities alongside Dubai. Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi will host the tournament inside Pakistan. While all the teams will play their matches in Pakistan, India's matches will be played in Dubai due to the hybrid model.