🤪Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria did not hold back in his criticism of Pakistan batter Babar Azam, accusing him of prioritizing personal milestones over team success
The anticipation for the India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is at its peak, with cricket legends weighing in on the blockbuster encounter set to take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
𓆉As both teams prepare for the much-awaited showdown, opinions on their form, strengths, and weaknesses have been making headlines.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh🌳, while speaking at the Laureus Sport for Good Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum, emphasized the global significance of the fixture.
“It’s more than a cricket ꦯmatch – it’s a massive global event,” Waugh stated. “Whenever these two teams meet, the atmosphere is electric, and the outcome is unpredictable. Both have immense talent. India are favourites, but white-ball cricket is unpredictable – one player can change the game in an instant.”
Waugh singled out India’s in-form opener Shubman Gill and veteran Virat Kohli 💟as key players to watch. He also commented on Pakistan’s inconsistency.
🍬“Pakistan have been inconsistent over the last year. They’re capable of brilliance, but you never know which Pakistan side will show up. India should win, but a Pakistan upset wouldn’t shock me,” he added.
𒉰Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria did not hold back in his criticism of Pakistan batter Babar Azam, accusing him of prioritizing personal milestones over team success.
꧒"If we talk about Babar Azam, he is playing for himself. When he is under pressure, he focuses on keeping his stats and ICC ranking intact," Kaneria told PTI.
ไ"I have scored a fifty, I have done it. But where is the intent of winning the match for your side?" he questioned.
ꦺKaneria also pointed out Pakistan’s poor form heading into the clash. "I don't think there is much hype this time because Pakistan is not playing good cricket. India are playing excellent cricket."
🧸Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was blunt about Pakistan’s declining cricketing standards, calling India the outright favourites.
☂"India are favourites. There is no doubt about that. In my opinion, if Pakistan manage to beat India, it will be an upset because our cricket has gone down and is at an all-time low," Ali said on his YouTube channel.
🙈Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh downplayed the excitement around the match, stating that India’s dominance has reduced the rivalry’s competitiveness.
ไ"The match between India and Pakistan is overhyped. India are a very strong team, while Pakistan are inconsistent," Harbhajan said.
❀He also took a dig at Babar Azam’s batting record against India. "A batter averages 31-32 and claims himself as the top batter? I feel a top batter's average should be around 45-50."
🔯India opener Shubman Gill disagreed with Harbhajan’s view, saying that the rivalry remains special.
ღ“India-Pakistan has its own history. It is an exciting contest every time both teams play. If so many people get happiness by watching this rivalry, who are we to call it overhyped or underhyped?” Gill said in a pre-match press conference.