Agha Salman confident about Pakistan's chances in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan is excited to co-host the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to kick off on February 19, with the tournament being the first major ICC event hosted in the nation since the 1996 ODI World Cup. They will play the tournament  Pakistan's vice-captain and star all-rounder, Salman Agha, has opined on the team's preparation leading the competition.

The Men in Green will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Karachi before facing arch-rivals India on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Matches will also be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi, with the final scheduled for March 9. With the tournament’s return after an eight-year gap, expectations are sky-high, and Salman believes Pakistan is well-prepared to deliver.

“We are ready for the Champions Trophy, as we have just completed a long season and have another long season ahead. Our preparation is solid," Agha was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Salman, who has been crucial in Pakistan’s recent ODI successes against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, also gave an update on star opener Saim Ayub’s fitness. Ayub’s ankle injury during the South Africa Test series put doubts over his availability for the tournament.

“The reports suggest that Saim Ayub will recover before the Champions Trophy. Please pray for his speedy recovery," he said.

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Salman expressed the joy of playing an ICC tournament in front of home crowds and revealed that the atmosphere in international stadiums enhances the players’ experiences and motivates them further to play better. Meanwhile, Salman's immediate focus is on the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies and the tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to announce the squads for these assignments.