Pakistan’s cricket legend Younis Khan has weighed in on the team’s chances at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, and he’s feeling optimistic. The former Test captain believes Pakistan has what it takes to reach the semi-finals—but he insists that full support from fans and experts is crucial.
Trust the Process, Support the Players
In a recent media talk, Younis emphasized the importance of backing the squad.
“The team selected for the Champions Trophy consists of the best available players. The key to good performance is mental fitness. The players have the talent to make it to the top four,” he stated.
And he’s not wrong. Pakistan has a history of punching above its weight in major ICC tournaments. But as always, external pressure and non-stop criticism can be a huge distraction for the players.
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Younis urged fans to trust the selection process and avoid unnecessary criticism that could disrupt the team’s focus. He recalled how frequent changes before the World Cup affected team stability and warned against repeating the same mistake.
“Before the World Cup, too many changes were made due to excessive criticism. Now, we should focus on nurturing new talent at the grassroots level—schools, colleges, and clubs—rather than constantly reshuffling the national squad,” he added.
Unfortunate Blow: Saim Ayub’s Injury
Younis expressed his disappointment over Saim Ayub’s injury, which has ruled him out of the tournament. The young left-hander has been making waves with his explosive batting, and his absence is a definite setback.
“It’s unfortunate that Saim won’t be part of the team. Pakistan won’t be able to benefit from his skills in this mega event,” Younis said.
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While injuries are part of the game, losing a rising star just before a major tournament is tough.
Younis Khan also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for naming an enclosure at the National Stadium Karachi after him.
“I am thankful to Allah for giving me the opportunity to serve Pakistan. We, as players, did not do any favors to the country; we just served it with pride,” he humbly said.
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