Former India coach and World Cup Winner Ravi Shastri feels that the host for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has great potential in them. Also, Pakistan has the advantage of playing at home. It is hosting an ICC event after 29 years. The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC tournament was the 1996 World Cup where Sri Lanks emerged victorious.
Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on ICC Review, Shastri quoted,
“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.”
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“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.” He added.
Babar Azam and Md. Rizwan Will Play Crucial Roles
Pakistan Cricket has some big names that it carries with itself. The likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman makes it a team to watch out for. Pakistan will certainly miss the young opener Saim Ayub who will miss the Champions Trophy due to Knee Injury. Despite this Ravi Shastri strongly believes that the host nation should move to the Semi-Finals.
“They’ve missed 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 semifinals and from there, it’s anyone’s game. Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous,” he added.
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Ricky Ponting Agrees
Australian veteran Ricky Ponting also believes that Babar Azam and Mohmmad Rizwan’s batting would turn out to be a game changer as well as the Bowling unit will anchor the Pakistani innings.
“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.” Said Ponting while agreeing with Ravi Shastri at ICC Review.
