'India, Pakistan And...' Shoaib Akhtar Makes Bold Champions Trophy Semi-Finalists Prediction

Shoaib Akhtar predicts top 3 of Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @Nikhilgupta1104, @shoaib100mph/X.com]

Former Pakistan legendary cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar has predicted India, Pakistan and Afghanistan to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. In a candid chat, he placed a bet on Afghanistan to show maturity and snubbed heavyweight Australia.

Pakistan is set to host an ICC tournament on its soil after several decades. The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. India will, however, play their games in Dubai because they had asked for a hybrid model based on security reasons.

With two weeks left for the tournament to begin, former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has made bold predictions.

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Shoaib Akhtar sees India, Pakistan and Afghanistan in semi-final

With the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025 knocking at the door, Shoaib Akhtar comes up with his fearless prediction on the semi-finalists of this tournament.

Keeping India and Pakistan firm contenders, Akhtar surprised the cricketing world by not including the champions of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Australia, in his top-four.

Instead, he picked Afghanistan as a potential wildcard entry, provided the team shows maturity on the big stage. In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Akhtar said:

“I believe Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan will reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy. If Afghanistan’s team shows maturity during the event, they could make it to the semi-finals,” Akhtar said.

Afghanistan's rise as a competitive force in international cricket has made them a formidable opponent. They finish at sixth position in the last ODI World Cup and knock out Australia to reach the semi-final of 2024 T20 World Cup.

Pakistan to Prevail Over India in Rivalry Clash?

Speaking before the much-touted encounter between India and Pakistan on 23 February at Dubai, Akhtar was sure his country could defeat their arch-nemesis. He backed Pakistan to defeat their arch-rivals and even suggested that the two cricketing giants should meet again in the final. 

“I’m hopeful that Pakistan will defeat India on February 23. In fact, I believe that both Pakistan and India should also meet in the final of the tournament,” he added.

This clash will take place in Dubai as India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

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