'Chal jaaye toh chand tak, warna shaam tak': Babar Azam's brother's bold statement on Pakistan's chances in Champions Trophy, declares this team as clear favourites

Former Pakistan's star wicketkeeper-batter has no expectations whatsoever from Mohammad Rizwan's brigade in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 which will get underway from February 19. Pakistan will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a clash against New Zealand on Wednesday. Pakistan will look to make the most of home conditions in the Champions Trophy.

This is a momentous occasion for Pakistan as they prepare to host their first ICC event in nearly 30 years. The last time Pakistan hosted a major international cricket tournament was back in 1996 when the World Cup was held in the subcontinent. But Pakistan won't enter the eight-team tournament on a high as they recently lost the Tri-Nation series final against New Zealand.

Adding to their challenges, Pakistan will be without the injured Saim Ayub, who suffered an ankle fracture. His absence has forced a reshuffling of the batting order, notably with Babar Azam moving up to open the innings. Moreover, the team selection, particularly the inclusion of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, has drawn criticism from several former Pakistan players, who have been heard claiming that even captain Mohammad Rizwan isn't happy with the star player's inclusion in the side.

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Kamran Akmal feels Pakistan don't deserve to win Champions Trophy 2025

Meanwhile, Kamran Akmal, who also happens to be Babar Azam's cousin brother, don't think Pakistan are capable of making it to the Champions Trophy 2025 final. He also went on to declare Rohit Sharma's Team India as clear favourites to lift the trophy.

"India look clear favourites; they deserve to play the final. But I can't say the same about Pakistan. If they make the semi-final, I would consider it a big achievement," Akmal said in an interview with the Hindustan Times.

"Pakistan ki team aisi hai chal jaaye toh chand tak, warna shaam tak (Pakistan's team is like, If it works, it will reach all heights, otherwise it will be gone in no time). Our team has many loopholes. The bowling is struggling. Spinners are not there. The openers are struggling. I don't know what the selectors and the captain thought. Even our chairman gave his approval. Let's see how things unfold. The rest of the teams look much more balanced," he added.

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Akmal isn't satisfied with the Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. While launching a scathing attack on PCB chairman he said that they should have announced a better team.

"We could have announced a better team. I think India, New Zealand, England, and South Africa will make the semi-finals. Australia is depleted because of injuries to five key players. I don't know the thought process behind picking such a Pakistan team. The chairman hasn't played that much cricket; he doesn't understand matters, perhaps, so he gave his approval for such a team," Akmal concluded.

After their campaign opener against New Zealand, Pakistan will face their arch-rivals India on February 23 before taking on Bangladesh on February 27.

Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi