Champions Trophy 2025: ‘India-Pakistan match is War’, says Shikhar Dhawan

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Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan has reinvigorated the monumental stakes of an India-Pakistan match ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

The two arch-rivals collide in the Champions Trophy this month in the ICC tournament. Although Pakistan host the tournament, the titanic clash will be played in Dubai as India refused to play in Pakistan citing security reasons.

In the recent decade or so, the encounters between India and Pakistan have been limited to ICC tournaments. Although the numbers of matches may have reduced, the charm and enthusiasm for the rivalry remain unmatched.

India locked horns against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final in 2017, in which Pakistan managed to pull off a stunning victory. As the two nations lock horns again, former India batter Shikhar Dhawan perceives it won't be anything less than a war when they will collide.

In the Netflix documentary 'The Greatest Rivalry', Dhawan spoke about the magnificent atmosphere the encounter produces and termed it 'nothing less than a war'. The people of both nations eagerly wait and mark their calendars for this flagship clash, which is by far the grandest match of any tournament.

"India-Pakistan match is no less than a war. Every player plays with all his heart and everything depends on that encounter. And it's fun," Dhawan said.

Shikhar, who has roots in Karachi, also wishes to visit Pakistan one day, but that depends on the political dynamics of the two nations.

"My family came from Karachi. I used to listen to stories from my grandmother about how life was. I wish to go back there but will only visit if things improve between India and Pakistan," the Indian stalwart concluded.

The southpaw had a phenomenal campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 363 runs at an average of 90.75. He struck two brilliant centuries along with a crucial 68 in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. His aggressive starts were instrumental in India's unbeaten run, earning him the Man of the Series award.

The former India star retired from IPL recently and most recently played in the Nepal Premier League. He is currently leading the Delhi Royals team in the Legend 90 league in Raipur.