Srinagar: Former Pakistan star pacer Shoaib Akhtar has backed Afghanistan to make it to semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy and wished for a India-Pakistan final.
“I believe Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan will reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy,” Akhtar told reporters in Dubai.
“If Afghanistan’s team demonstrates maturity and their batsmen show patience, they could deliver surprising results,” he added.
Akhtar further said that he is hopeful for Pakistan to beat India and desired to see the fierce rivals colliding in the blockbuster 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”.
“If Pakistan defeats India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, they will have already won half the tournament.”
Former pacer also urged the fans to refrain from questioning the selection of the national team for the mega event.
“Now, let’s not question the team’s selection anymore,” Akhtar concluded.