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Azam Khan couldn't make a cut in Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 but has a message for his team for the high-octane clash against India. Notably the showpiece tournament which is scheduled to start from February 19.
With the Champions Trophy approaching, the cricketing world is focused on the highly anticipated India verus Pakistan clash which is slated to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on February 23. The rivalry between these two nations is fierce, and fan passion runs deep. However, in recent years India and Pakistan players including Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Virat Kohli have been often seen exchanging friendly words off the field. A memorable example is Shaheen Afridi's gift to Jasprit Bumrah upon the birth of his son.
Azam Khan wishes Pakistan team 'Best of Luck' for Champions Trophy
Reflecting on the relationship between Indian and Pakistani players, wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan offered a heartfelt perspective. He stated that despite the intense rivalry that exists between fans on both sides of the border, the players themselves consistently strive to maintain a respectful demeanor.
"The rivalry is outside the field. If you look at the past few India-Pakistan matches, they have been played in a very friendly manner. There is no disrespect there. There is a respectful relationship between the players. If you are getting the respect from one side, then your job is to reciprocate that," Azam Khan told Hindustan Times after the end of the Playoff between Desert Vipers and Sharjah Warriors.
"I wish the Pakistan team the best of luck. India versus Pakistan is just a game in the end. There are so many expectations because it is a high-voltage game. The team that commits the least number of mistakes will walk away as the winner," Khan further added.
The last time the two nations clashed with each other in Champions Trophy, Pakistan snatched the title from India. India suffered a massive defeat to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2017 final. As far as their Champions Trophy track record is concerned, India have won two titles so far, while Pakistan have just one.
India will start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. They will then take on Pakistan on February 23 which will be followed by a clash against New Zealand on March 2. On the other hand, Pakistan's campaign opener will come against New Zealand on February 19. They will then square up against India and Bangladesh on February 23 and February 27 respectively.
India squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja
Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad:
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
