Srinagar: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has said that Pakistan is going to have upperhand vs India in Champions Trophy but it is India that has been his favourite team in big tournaments.
Amir who announced his retirement from international cricket for the second time last year has said that Pakistan will have an upper hand against India when the two teams face each other in the Champions Trophy next month.
The match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.
In the last Champions Trophy match played between the two teams, Pakistan hammered India by 180 runs to win the 2017 edition of the tournament.
“The way Pakistan has played recently—defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa—shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions. Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India. However, India has always been my favourite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats,” Amir was quoted as saying by Times of India.
“It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn’t there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength,” he said.