Sunday, February 23, is the date of the match between India and Pakistan. There has been a lot of excitement for this match since the International Cricket Council announced the Champions Trophy schedule for the current season. Both countries’ former cricket players have already voiced their opinions on this match and have largely supported their respective countries to win.
In an unexpected statement, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan stated that he would prefer a victory for Pakistan in Match 5 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
“I want Pakistan to win because it will add excitement to the event. “What will remain in the competition if Pakistan is eliminated?”
Atul Wassan said in response to a Times Now quote regarding the much anticipated clash between the two sides.
The remarks made by the former right-arm medium pacer are shocking. This is because other previous cricket players have always supported their team to win, even though they have acknowledged the opposing team’s advantages.
However, the two teams’ fortunes in their Champions Trophy 2025 opening matches have been wildly different. India easily defeated Bangladesh in their opening match by six wickets and 21 deliveries to spare, while Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in the curtain-raiser. The forthcoming match hence becomes a crucial match for the hosts of the prestigious ODI competition.
When it comes to the head-to-head record in the five games played in this competition, Pakistan leads India by a score of 3-2. They haven’t played well in 50-over matches against the cricketing superpowers lately, though. With the exception of a postponed match at the 2022 Asia Cup, Pakistan has lost each of their last four ODI encounters with India.