Former Test captain Younis Khan has voiced confidence in Pakistan’s ability to excel in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted on home soil.
Speaking at the Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium in Karachi, he highlighted the significance of the tournament for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Khan emphasized that playing on home grounds offers Pakistan a crucial advantage in key matches, predicting the team will secure a spot in the semi-finals.
He also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its efforts in organizing the event, calling it a milestone for the country’s cricket.
The former skipper advocated for the revival of Pakistan-India cricket matches, citing their importance in enhancing player skills.
He believes such high-pressure encounters push athletes to perform at their peak, adding that these matches should be a regular feature in international cricket.
Discussing the current squad, Khan expressed his admiration for Fakhar Zaman’s batting skills and urged his inclusion in the team.
He also underscored the contributions of experienced players like Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali, stressing their importance in maintaining consistency, particularly in challenging conditions abroad.
Additionally, Younis Khan endorsed the opening partnership of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, predicting that their combined talent could lead to high-scoring games, potentially surpassing 400 runs.
He also praised fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi’s recent performances, describing him as an invaluable asset to Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
On the growing impact of franchise cricket, Khan encouraged the PCB to embrace this evolving landscape, recognizing its role in nurturing emerging talent and strengthening the national team.
