ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Younis Khan picks the 4 semi-finalists

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan shared his predictions for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to commence on February 19. Younis Khan was confident of the Mohammad Rizwan-led team reaching the semi-finals of the highly anticipated 50-over ICC tournament.

A total of eight teams will feature in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Australia and India are the most successful teams, while Pakistan won the previous edition in 2017.

Younis Khan Confident of Pakistan Reaching Semi-Final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Speaking to the media, Younis Khan warned that excessive criticism could create unnecessary pressure on the players. He expressed confidence in the Pakistan team’s ability to reach the semi-finals, adding they have the best available talent for the tournament.

"The team selected for the Champions Trophy consists of the best available players, and the key to good performance is mental fitness. The players have the talent to make it to the top four teams of the Champions Trophy," Younis said.

Fakhar Zaman Could Play a Pivotal Role in Leading Pakistan to Victory - Younis Khan

The former captain said that Fakhar Zaman has the ability to deliver match-winning performances. He described the Pakistan squad as well-balanced, with the presence of batsmen like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, and bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.

"Zaman could play a pivotal role in leading Pakistan to victory with a memorable innings, as he has done in the past."

"The team selected for the Champions Trophy is fairly well-balanced. We have experienced and top-quality batsmen like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan. On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will be essential fast bowlers for Pakistan," Younis added.

It’s Unfortunate That Saim Ayub Won’t Be Part of the Team - Younis Khan

Younis Khan was disappointed over Saim Ayub’s absence from the Champions Trophy due to injury. He highlighted that Pakistan will miss out on the young player's skills. He urged the cricket board to avoid unnecessary adjustments ahead of major tournaments.

"It’s unfortunate that Saim Ayub, a young and talented player, won’t be part of the team due to injury. Pakistan won’t be able to benefit from his skills in this mega event," he said.

"Team selection is done based on performance, and once the squad is chosen, the players should be fully supported. Criticism and unnecessary changes only create pressure on the players," Younis said.

He continued, "Before the World Cup, there were too many changes due to excessive criticism. Now, there should be less focus on making changes to the team. Instead, we should work on bringing in new talent at the grassroots level, and give them opportunities in schools, colleges, and clubs."

Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will kick off their preparations to defend the Champions Trophy with a tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa. The series will begin on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Pakistan is in strong form, having secured landmark series wins in Australia and South Africa in recent months. Their Champions Trophy campaign will begin on February 19 against New Zealand at National Stadium in Karachi.

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