Team India is set to face Pakistan in a highly anticipated match during the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to commence next month. Although Pakistan is the host nation for the tournament, India will conduct all of its matches, including any knockout rounds, in Dubai due to security concerns. Notably, the two teams previously met in the final of the last Champions Trophy in 2017, where Pakistan triumphed decisively.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who captained the Pakistan team to that victory, has been suggested by former cricketer Basit Ali to take on the role of mentor for the upcoming tournament, particularly for the match against India.

Historically, Pakistan has struggled against India in ICC tournaments, with their last victory over India occurring in 2021 during the T20 World Cup. Since that time, Pakistan has suffered defeats in the 2022 tournament, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and again in the T20 format in 2024.

Basit is confident that Sarfaraz's insights would be beneficial against India, given his experience in leading the team to a championship. He criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for its delay in appointing a mentor, referencing Afghanistan's proactive decision to enlist the esteemed Younis Khan.

“Afghanistan made a wise choice by appointing Younis Khan as their mentor. It seems the people in Pakistan, including the board, are not fully aware to the situation. They require a mentor for the match against India, someone who has previously led them to victory in the Champions Trophy: Sarfaraz Ahmed,” Basit remarked on his official YouTube channel.

“In this encounter, Sarfaraz's advice will be invaluable. He possesses the experience of winning the trophy against them. I will not suggest anyone else; he is the one who led the team to success,” he added.

India's group

Rohit Sharma's team has been placed in a group alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand for the Champions Trophy. The squad will commence its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a match against their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, on February 23.

After a six-day interval, they will face New Zealand in their final group-stage match. All of India's fixtures are scheduled to be held in Dubai.

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