Sarfaraz Ahmed backs Pakistan to defend Champions Trophy title
What's the story
Former Pakistan cricket team captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, has expressed confidence in the current team's ability to defend their ICC Champions Trophy title.
He believes that the Mohammad Rizwan-led side stand a 'strong chance' of victory, especially with the support of home fans.
Notably, Pakistan triumphed over India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval, under Sarfaraz's leadership back in 2017.
Here's more.
Key contributors
Sarfaraz highlights key players for Pakistan's success
Sarfaraz emphasized on the importance of players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, who were part of the 2017 title-winning team.
He said Azam is a more mature and dominant player than before, and his role will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.
"He is a different Babar to the one that played in 2017, a more mature player and a dominant player in the game," Sarfaraz was quoted as saying by ICC.
Home pressure
Sarfaraz acknowledges pressure of home expectations
Sarfaraz also admitted that Pakistan will feel the added pressure to perform in front of their home fans.
He said despite high expectations and a competitive field, he believes the fans will rally behind their team.
"There will be pressure. Pakistan being at home, being the defending champions, there will be high expectations," he said.
"It is a stacked field, of course, every team can win it," he further added.
Tournament predictions
Sarfaraz picks his favorites for Champions Trophy semis
Looking ahead at the tournament, Sarfaraz named Pakistan, India, Australia, and Afghanistan as his top picks for the semi-finals.
He also shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai (February 23).
"Of the pool matches, everyone will be talking about Pakistan's match against India," he said.
"If I had to pick four semi-finalists, I'd probably go for Pakistan, India, Australia, and Afghanistan at this stage, but I would not rule anyone out," he further added.
Record
Here is Pakistan's record at the Champions Trophy
The 2025 tournament hosts have featured since the first edition of the tournament.
Meanwhile, they own a win-loss record of 11-12 record in the tournament.
As mentioned, they have lifted the trophy once, (2017), and are four-time semi-finalists, (1998, 2000, 2006, 2009).
Additionally, they have also suffered failures in three editions (2002, 2004, and 2013), when they failed to make it to the knockout stages.