DUBAI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has predicted that Pakistan and India will meet in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking in a media interaction in Dubai, Akhtar expressed confidence that Pakistan would emerge victorious in their group encounter against India on February 23. “I am hopeful Pakistan will defeat India in the group match,” said Akhtar. He further added, “If Pakistan beats India and New Zealand in the group stage, they will already have one foot in the semi-finals.”

Akhtar also foresees a Pakistan-India final at the Champions Trophy, predicting both teams will make it to the last stage of the tournament. He shared his thoughts on the semi-finalists, naming Afghanistan as a potential surprise package. “If Afghanistan shows maturity and their batsmen display patience, they could surprise a few teams and make it to the semi-finals,” he stated. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with Pakistan, the defending champions, facing New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. The tournament will feature eight teams, with Pakistan placed in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s crucial match against India will take place on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Following that, Pakistan’s final group-stage match will be against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. India’s journey in the group stages will begin with their match against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a clash with New Zealand on March 2.