Former Pakistan cricketers confident Pakistan can beat India in Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar believe that Pakistan can still qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals if they defeat India in their upcoming match. However, Akhtar has called for a more aggressive approach from the team, urging them to show character and fight.  

Pakistan had a disappointing start to their Champions Trophy campaign, losing to New Zealand in their first match. The loss has put them under immense pressure, making the clash against India a do-or-die encounter. Defeating India won’t be easy, given their strong recent form, but a win will boost Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the semi-finals.  
 
Speaking on a YouTube channel, Shoaib Malik expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to defeat India. He urged senior players to take responsibility and step up in the big match.  

“I’m very hopeful that we still have a chance to beat India in our next match. And then we will continue our match with Bangladesh. Of course, morale is down. Confidence is down. But I think the character is still there,” Malik said.  

He further added that Pakistan has the 'potential' to beat India, but it’s now up to the players to prove themselves.  

“We have that potential in our team to win against India. And I’m very hopeful. But now it’s their responsibility. The seniors will have to step up,” Malik added.  

He also advised the players to see this as an opportunity rather than pressure.  

“Imagine if someone wins a game, do-or-die against India will become an instant superstar. So, I think opportunity is there. There is pressure, but opportunity. Take it as an opportunity,” he said.  
 
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also shared his thoughts, emphasizing that Pakistan needs to play with more intent and aggression. He believes the team was too 'defensive' in their loss to New Zealand and should learn from India’s attacking mindset.  

“I think my take is that rather than be on the defensive side, play attacking cricket. I wish them best of luck against India. And hope you don’t make the same mistakes that you made against New Zealand and batted with such a low strike rate,” Akhtar said.  

He also highlighted Pakistan’s weak bowling strategy, pointing out that they should have included more specialist bowlers.  

“There should have been at least 5-6 bowlers. India, they play with 5-6 bowlers. They play more than that. They play with 7 bowlers. But again, I think the process of the planning is a bit lacking. And moving forward, I think now you’ve put yourself in a difficult spot," he added.  

Pakistan struggled with their bowling combination in the last match, as Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah were used as the fifth bowler, but they couldn’t trouble the New Zealand batters.  
 
Pakistan will face India on February 23 in Dubai in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. A win will keep their semi-final hopes alive.  

Their final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. However, they must first defeat India to ensure the match against Bangladesh remains meaningful in their qualification race.