India vs Pakistan is more than a cricket match: Former Australia captain Steve Waugh

With the ICC Champions Trophy underway, former Australia captain Steve Waugh shared his thoughts on the tournament’s title contenders. The highly anticipated tournament will see India take on Pakistan on Sunday, 23rd February, in a seismic clash. While reigning champions Pakistan enter the fixture following a defeat, India come in with a victory under their belt.

With India, New Zealand and South Africa getting off to a good start, Waugh said, “Obviously, India, in those conditions, are favourites. New Zealand have got a very strong squad. I would never underestimate Australia, they are always competitive in these competitions, and you can't write off the rest. England is very capable of doing things, Pakistan as well,” he said.

The highly anticipated tournament will see India take on Pakistan on Sunday, 23rd February, in a seismic clash. While reigning champions Pakistan enter the fixture following a defeat, India come in with a victory under their belt.

“It's more than a cricket match. It's a huge event. Every time India and Pakistan compete, it's a worldwide event and very unpredictable. Both sides have got lots of talent, and you never really know what the outcome is going to be. I think India generally are the favourites. But one-day cricket, T20 cricket—it's a lot more unpredictable than Test cricket. One person can have a great game and influence the match for their team,” Waugh said.

“Shubman Gill just got a hundred, he’s a very good player. Obviously, there's Kohli. You've got these big names. Pakistan have been hot and cold over the last 12 months. They're capable of doing really good things, so you're not sure which Pakistan side is going to turn up. India are favourites, but it wouldn't surprise me either if Pakistan won that game.” he added.

Speaking about Australia’s prospects, Waugh said, “It's going to be a real test, this series. Because without Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, which have been, the foundation of our bowling over the last five to 10 years, it leaves an opportunity for other guys to come in. Spencer Johnson has got some good pace, with someone like Sean Abbott, there's still a bit of experience there.”

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“Other guys haven't played as much, but they've still played a lot of cricket around the world. So, I think it gives them opportunity. Adam Zampa has held together in one day cricket for a lot of years for Australia, so he can impart his experience. Steve Smith, who's done a number of years as a captain and is a very good captain. There is enough talent there, but they must step up to the plate in this series. And it will be a good test for him without the big three. We'll find out what sort of depth we've got in Australia.”

Waugh was among the sporting superstars from across three continents united for the Laureus Sport for Good Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

A global array of athletes took part in the Forum, with Chinese Olympic speed skating champion Yang Yang in attendance, alongside fellow Laureus World Sports Academy Members Steve Waugh – the Australian cricketing great – and eight-time world squash champion Nicol David. Also present were Laureus Ambassador and double Olympic cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, as well as Sean Dyche, former manager of English professional football teams Everton and Burnley and a member of the Laureus-partnered League Managers Association.