Former Pakistan Test captain Younis Khan is optimistic about the national team’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted in Pakistan. Speaking at the Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium in Karachi, Khan emphasized the significance of the tournament being held on home soil, believing it will give Pakistan a strong advantage.
He praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for playing a key role in organizing the event and expressed confidence that the team’s home advantage will help them perform well in critical encounters. Khan firmly predicted, “Pakistan will make it to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.”
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Khan also advocated for the resumption of regular cricket matches between Pakistan and India, stressing that such encounters are vital for player development. He mentioned that playing against top-tier teams like India pushes players to elevate their game, saying, “Playing against India makes you a better player, and I have always advocated for more Pakistan-India cricket.”
On the current squad, Khan praised Fakhar Zaman, calling for his inclusion in the national team, and also highlighted the importance of experienced players like Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali. He noted their vital contributions, particularly in foreign conditions, and advocated for their continued support.
Khan expressed confidence in the opening pair of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, suggesting they could provide strong starts and potentially set up big totals, even reaching 400 runs. He also lauded Shaheen Shah Afridi for his exceptional recent form, describing him as a key asset to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Lastly, Khan addressed the growing influence of franchise cricket, urging the PCB to embrace this sector’s support while noting the importance of local-level cricket. He concluded by reassuring that the PCB should not fear community-level competitions, highlighting their rising significance.
