'Pakistan nowhere near India's league'- Manjrekar's blunt verdict ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 clash

The most sumptuous weekend blockbuster Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India (IND) and Pakistan (PAK) is set to take place on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DCIS), in Dubai. Whenever both the neighbouring countries take the field, nearly every cricket fan and expert has their opinions regarding the high-voltage match.

Hence, the former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar was no exception either and came up with a rigid conclusion on Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming CT25 fixture against the Men in Blue. Notably, during the Afghanistan versus South Africa match, Manjrekar who was in the Hindi commentary panel, stated that Pakistan was “nowhere near India's league” and they were seemingly weaker than ever before this time around.  

"India have dominated them right throughout in recent times, and this time, Pakistan look even weaker," Manjrekar said, as mentioned by The Hindustan Times. "But that hasn’t done anything to take the shine off the battle. Quality-wise, the England vs Australia match will be slightly better, but if you ask any Indian or Pakistani fan, they would definitely say Sunday’s match. The fever is there", said Manjrekar as quoted by Hindustan Times (HT).

Furthermore, Manjrekar also pointed out the major area of concern for Pakistan in terms of the lack of spin options, as Dubai favours slow conditions unlike the pacers, which could prove decisive for the co-hosts to stay relevant in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

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"You need spinners to succeed in these conditions, and Pakistan only have one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed," he mentioned. "They will bowl Salman Agha or Khushdil Shah, but that won't be enough to trouble the Indian batters. Pace won’t be able to have much of an impact", Manjrekar concluded. 

Pakistan in dire straits after New Zealand loss, India seek to continue winning momentum

Meanwhile, speaking of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign, the Green Shirts commenced under immense pressure and found themselves in a tricky situation after suffering a crushing 60-run defeat in their opening match against New Zealand in Karachi. Whereas, India enter with momentum on their part, having settled into a comfortable six-wicket triumph over Bangladesh in Dubai, on Thursday. 

In terms of head-to-head record in the marquee event, Pakistan hold an edge (3-2) over India in the Champions Trophy history. Despite the team already on the verge of an early exit due to their loss in the tournament opener, India versus Pakistan never fails to highlight the 'mother of all rivalries.'