Pakistan and India’s clash in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a high-stakes encounter, continuing their long-standing rivalry in world cricket. The match, originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan, has been shifted to Dubai due to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, citing security concerns. The decision was made following discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), marking yet another instance where politics has influenced cricketing ties between the two nations.
Pakistan enters the match with a mix of confidence and concern. Their recent performances in international tournaments have been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by lapses in execution. The batting lineup, anchored by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, has been one of their strengths, but the middle order remains a fragile spot. Fakhar Zaman’s injury is a major blow to Pakistan’s top order. Known for his aggressive batting and previous match-winning performances against India, his absence leaves a void. Pakistan will likely replace him with either Imam-ul-Haq or Saim Ayub, depending on the team’s strategy. Imam brings stability and experience, while Saim offers attacking flair. The final decision will hinge on whether Pakistan wants to go with a cautious start or an aggressive approach in the powerplay.
Babar Azam’s captaincy will be under the spotlight, particularly in managing the team’s bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi remains the spearhead of Pakistan’s pace battery, and his opening spell will be crucial in determining how India fares in the initial overs. His ability to swing the ball and trouble Indian openers, especially Rohit Sharma, has been evident in past encounters. However, Haris Rauf’s recent form has been patchy, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s death bowling. Naseem Shah, if fully fit, provides a balance of pace and control, while Mohammad Wasim Jr. could be an option for his all-round abilities.
Pakistan’s spinners will have an equally important role, particularly Shadab Khan and potentially Usama Mir. Shadab’s form has been erratic and Pakistan might consider using part-time spin options like Iftikhar Ahmed to supplement the attack. The spin factor could be decisive, given Dubai’s slow surfaces, which tend to assist turn later in the innings.
India, on the other hand, comes into this match with a more settled squad and a stronger record in ICC tournaments. Their top order, featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, has been consistent. Kohli, in particular, has been a thorn in Pakistan’s side in recent encounters, with his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. India’s middle order, led by KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, adds depth and flexibility, while Suryakumar Yadav’s ability to take on spinners makes him a key player.
India’s bowling attack has been firing well, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace department. His ability to strike early and bowl pinpoint yorkers in the death overs makes him India’s biggest asset. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh provide a strong supporting cast, with Siraj excelling with the new ball and Arshdeep handling pressure situations well. India’s spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will also play a crucial role, especially in the middle overs, where Pakistan’s batting has shown vulnerability in previous matches.
A major talking point ahead of the match has been Pakistan’s slow over rate, which resulted in the ICC imposing a fine on the team. Maintaining the required over rate has been a challenge for Pakistan in past tournaments, and the recent penalty serves as a warning. This issue could impact their bowling strategies, particularly how captains rotate bowlers and set fields under time constraints.
The venue shift from Pakistan to Dubai adds another layer to the contest. Pakistan’s players are familiar with conditions in the UAE, having played a significant number of home matches there due to past security concerns. However, India has also had success in Dubai, with their T20 World Cup 2021 victory over Pakistan at the same venue still fresh in memory. The conditions are expected to favor batting early on, with spin coming into play later, making the toss a crucial factor.
In terms of strategies, Pakistan will need a solid start at the top, minimizing early losses while capitalizing on the powerplay. If Imam-ul-Haq plays, he will be expected to anchor the innings, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan must accelerate at the right moments. The middle order, featuring Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed, must step up, as collapses have been a recurring issue for Pakistan.
India, on the other hand, will look to dominate early with their pacers, particularly targeting Pakistan’s middle-order weaknesses. If India bats first, they are likely to go aggressive in the first 10 overs, utilizing the strong form of their top three to set a commanding total. If they chase, their strategy will revolve around taking minimal risks early on and capitalizing against Pakistan’s weaker death bowling.
Ultimately, the match could come down to key moments—whether Shaheen Afridi can remove Rohit Sharma early, whether Pakistan’s middle order holds firm under pressure, and how India handles spin in the latter stages. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, making this yet another highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter where pressure, temperament, and execution will decide the winner.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
