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No England! Sarfaraz Ahmed Makes Bold Predictions For Champions Trophy Semi-Finalists

Soumyajit Dutta

Sarfaraz Ahmed with the Champions Trophy [Source: @_FaridKhan/X.com]Sarfaraz Ahmed with the Champions Trophy [Source: @_FaridKhan/X.com]

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Pakistan is all set for a historic occasion as the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 arrives. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the ex-skipper of the Men in Green, who has been named as the brand ambassador of the tournament alongside prominent names like Shikhar Dhawan and Shane Watson, has opened up in a recent ICC interview.

Speaking with the ICC, Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his excitement ahead of the tournament, which will kick off with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi next week. Ahmed noted that the players, fans and whole of Pakistan are ready setting the tone for what promises to be an enthralling tournament on home soil.

Sarfaraz Recollects Golden Days, Predicts Semi-Finalists For 2025 Edition

Ahmed’s remarks not only recalled the magic of the past but also looked ahead to the future. Reflecting on his career highlight, the Champions Trophy win in 2017, Ahmed recounted that victory as the pinnacle of his cricket journey. 

“Winning this trophy in 2017 was the best day of my cricket career. Although it is eight years ago now, every June when the anniversary comes round, I see videos on social media and it gives me goosebumps," Sarfaraz added.

Looking forward, Ahmed offered his predictions for the tournament’s semi-finalists. In his confident analysis, he named Pakistan, India, Australia, and Afghanistan as the teams most likely to advance. 

"If I had to pick four semi-finalists, I’d probably go for Pakistan, India, Australia and Afghanistan at this stage, but I would not rule anyone out."

Ahmed also highlighted the intense rivalry between the two nations of India and Pakistan anticipating the intense clash on February 23.

“Of the pool matches, everyone will be talking about Pakistan’s match against India, and the game will be huge,” Ahmed noted.

With key players like Babar Azam leading the batting, Fakhar Zaman providing explosive starts, and the formidable bowling duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf spearheading the attack, Ahmed believes Pakistan stands in strong stead to defend their title. 

Ahmed Acknowledges Key Factors For Teams

Ahmed also praised the depth of talent in other teams, acknowledging that India, Australia, and Afghanistan have their own unique strengths, particularly in their spin options, a factor that could be decisive in the conditions expected in Pakistan and Dubai as well.

Nevertheless, as Pakistan prepares to host its first senior ICC event since 1996, India will be playing their opener against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai while the Men in Green will kick off the tournament against the Kiwis at Karachi.