Champions Trophy: “Team That Plays Well Will Win”, Says Former Cricketer Kirti Azad On India vs Pakistan Clash

February 23, 2025: Ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the 2025 Champions Trophy, former cricketer and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament, Kirti Azad, shared his thoughts on the much-awaited encounter. As both teams prepare for the high-stakes battle at the Dubai International Stadium, Azad emphasized that the team that plays well on the day will emerge victorious.

“It is like a normal match… On the cricket field, you play the ball and not the bowler. People are always very excited about the match, but the team that plays well will win. The Indian team is very balanced… Pakistan team can surprise you anytime… I wish Team India all the best,” Azad said.

In the lead-up to the match, Samajwadi Party MP, Awadhesh Prasad, also wished Team India the best of luck for their clash against their arch-rivals. He praised the Indian cricketers for their stellar contributions to the country and hoped India would triumph over Pakistan. “The players of our country have a glorious history. The players of the country have worked to increase the honor of the country in the world. I hope India will win… Our best wishes from the Samajwadi Party. Our country’s team will win,” Prasad remarked.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan dates back to 1952 and has consistently grown in intensity. The last time the two teams clashed in the Champions Trophy was in the 2017 final when Pakistan stunned India with a dominant win. The memory of that loss is still fresh in the minds of the Indian players and their supporters. This encounter will provide India with the opportunity to avenge that heart-wrenching defeat.

India’s team is coming off a strong start in the tournament, having defeated Bangladesh in their opening match. On the other hand, Pakistan has found themselves under pressure, having suffered a crushing defeat against New Zealand in their first match. The Pakistani team, without the presence of their explosive opener Fakhar Zaman, is looking less menacing in their batting lineup.

India, led by captain Rohit Sharma and bolstered by players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya, is seen as the favorite going into this match. The clash is expected to be an intense affair with both teams bringing their A-game, as Pakistan desperately needs a win to stay alive in the tournament.

The anticipation surrounding this contest is immense, with fans eagerly waiting to see who will come out on top in this high-voltage encounter, as India looks to maintain its dominance over Pakistan in major ICC events.