The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is once again set to be a focal point of the 2025 Champions Trophy, following a trend observed in nearly every multi-nation cricket tournament over the past decade. India's historical supremacy over their long-standing rival has faced significant challenges during this period, and former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has suggested that Rohit Sharma's team may encounter considerable difficulties in Dubai on February 23.

Amir remarked, as reported by the Times of India, that Pakistan's recent performances, including victories against Australia on their home turf and a win over South Africa, highlight their capabilities, particularly in foreign conditions. He noted that while the current form may favour Pakistan, he has always regarded India as a formidable contender in major tournaments. "Given their recent performances, I believe Pakistan holds the advantage against India. Nevertheless, India has consistently been my preferred choice in significant tournaments. The Indian team is currently under considerable pressure and facing intense scrutiny due to their recent losses," Amir stated.

Since their triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has struggled to maintain consistent form. They suffered a historic ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, their first since 1997, and experienced a shocking 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in home Test matches. Additionally, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, conceding the series 3-1, marking the first time in a decade that they have relinquished this title. These defeats to New Zealand and Australia have also eliminated India from contention for the World Test Championship final, resulting in the unprecedented occurrence of this prestigious match being held without India's participation.

India looking to put behind 2017 Champions Trophy shock

This encounter will signify the first meeting between the two teams in the Champions Trophy since the remarkable final of the 2017 tournament, where Amir played a pivotal role in Pakistan's celebrated triumph. In their earlier clash during the same tournament, Pakistan had suffered a defeat to India by 124 runs. Nevertheless, they embarked on an extraordinary winning streak that propelled them to the final, overcoming tournament favorites England in the semi-finals.

Fakhar Zaman's century, scoring 114 runs, enabled Pakistan to set a formidable total of 338/4 after batting first. India faced early setbacks as Amir dismissed their top three batsmen—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan—within the first ten overs, all of whom were in excellent form. Although Hardik Pandya mounted a brief resistance with a score of 76 off 43 balls, India ultimately succumbed, being bowled out for 158 and losing the final by a staggering 180 runs.

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