India vs World XI clash in Dubai? Shahid Afridi makes bold claim
Published - 11 Mar 2025, 05:41 PM | Updated - 11 Mar 2025, 11:43 PM
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Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has heaped praise on India’s dominant triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a bold claim. Shahid Afridi claimed that even a World XI of the ICC Champions Trophy wouldn’t be able to beat India.
The Men in Blue have won all five matches that they played in the prestigious tournament in Dubai to clinch their third Champions Trophy title and their second consecutive ICC trophy after the 2024 T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
Even a World XI of the Champions Trophy can't beat India: Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi said on Samaa TV, “If you see India’s team from openers to middle-order to all-rounders, genuine spinners, and fast bowlers, I’ll say that if you make a World XI of the Champions Trophy and make them play against India in Dubai, India will still win.”
However, the former Pakistan skipper admitted that India had a slight advantage by playing all their matches at the same venue in Dubai, but he insisted that the real reason behind their success was their exceptional team selection.
Shahid Afridi says Indian cricket team deserved to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Afridi has pointed out that the Men in Blue had a perfectly balanced squad, with top-class openers, a solid middle order, quality all-rounders, and a lethal bowling attack comprising both skilled pacers and match-winning spinners that led to the glory.
The former Pakistan skipper further explained, “They deserved to win. When you invest in your domestic cricket, the structure, the academies, and good cricket, you’ll get the results for it. No doubt India’s selection for the Champions Trophy, for the conditions… it was brilliant work from their selection committee. Yes, I agree that they knew the conditions because they played all their matches at the same place and didn’t change venues.”
Shahid Afridi credits Indian selectors for the CT 2025 glory
The legendary all-rounder also emphasized that India's dominance was not just about familiarity with the conditions but a result of years of investment in domestic cricket, structured academies, and a well-planned selection strategy. He credited Indian selectors for their Champions Trophy success.
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Afridi further noted, “That’s a big reason behind their win, but the real reason is also their selection. I know this because I have played in Dubai; we used to attack the spinners. The role of the spinners is very important here. Their selection was very good.”
He also pointed out that the Indian cricket team’s consistency in the ICC events was proof of their meticulous planning and strong cricketing infrastructure. Afridi signed off by saying that India’s ability to adapt, execute strategies effectively, and back their players under pressure makes them a dangerous side.
Notably, the Men in Blue have won all the ICC titles except for the World Test Championship despite reaching the finals twice. India now has three Champions Trophy, two T20 World Cup, and two ODI World Cup titles in their cabinet. Now, the Indian players have shifted their focus to the IPL 2025.
On the other hand, Pakistan crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from the group stages, as they failed to win a single match in the tournament with their last game washed out against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
