Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has spoken about the forthcoming high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 game between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Set to take place in Dubai on February 23, the game has attracted international interest and Hussain has made his projection regarding the winner.
During a recent interview, Hussain said India was his preferred team to win the expected clash.
“This is the biggest game in all of cricket here in Dubai; India, Pakistan, one of the fierce rivalries, replay of the 2017 final in which Pakistan prevailed. India is a beloved country remarked Hussain.
He then underlined India’s amazing might.
“They rank first among the sides; they are the best side. They are without Bumrah, the best player on the planet—not just the best bowler, the best cricketer on the planet right now—and you know that will harm them,” he remarked.
“With the batting depth and spin options they have, Shami maybe just coming back from injury and getting a few more overs into him, India are the side to beat without a doubt,” he said.
Regarding the collision between two other cricketing behemoths, England and Australia, the former captain pointed up Australia’s recent injury losses.
“A month ago, Australia, but like I mentioned, Australia has returned to the pack with five injuries. This presents a fantastic chance for England should they be able to win that one. Because, following what happened in India, that would be a significant confidence boost like to what South Africa and Afghanistan experienced.
The 56-year-old also showed his enthusiasm about the possible outstanding player in the event, boldly mentioning Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s opening batman.
“There is abundance on all the sides rather literally. I enjoy a wonderful tournament with Pakistani Fakhar Zaman. At the Oval in 2017 he scored that 100. He said, “He’s been out of the side recently, but he’s just come back in. With Pakistan, if they can have a great tournament at home, that will go a long way for their cricket and what they have missed at home”.
“So with Babar and Rizwan in that middle-order who can bat through, their requirement is an explosive guy. They have been crying out for that explosive player; Fakhar Zaman likes this tournament, hence it would be fantastic for them if he could have a really strong tournament,” he said.
Hussain also considered the thrill around the occasion, especially for Pakistan.
“It is great; especially for Pakistan, it is exciting. Pakistan came first in 2017; they famously defeated India at the Oval, and Fakhar Zaman scored an outstanding 100. That day, the Oval sights were quite remarkable. Though some of it is here in Dubai, Pakistan hasn’t hosted a significant ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup. It’s a significant deal for them since I know they have worked a lot on their grounds and they are quite happy to have the ICC event there.
