Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif gives massive task to Babar Azam and co. ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that Mohammad Rizwan's squad must not only focus on winning the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy but also on securing a crucial victory against India.

With political and cricketing tensions running high, Sharif's comments add extra significance to the much-anticipated clash.

The two arch-rivals are set to lock horns in Dubai on February 23, and Mohammad Rizwan and his team have now been tasked to eclipse India, something which they haven't done much in recent years.

"We have a very good side and they have done well in recent times, but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India, in the upcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation stands behind them," Sharif said while inaugurating the upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Pakistan, the defending champions of the tournament, famously defeated India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Their last victory against India in an ICC event came in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Sharif also highlighted the significance of hosting a major ICC event after nearly three decades.

"It is a big occasion for Pakistan that we are hosting a big ICC event after nearly 29 years. I have full confidence that our team will continue to make the nation proud in the upcoming Champions Trophy," the Pakistan PM added.

To ensure smooth hosting of the event, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has upgraded stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. It is to be seen how the Pakistani players live up to the massive expectations.

Pakistan had a poor outing in the World Cup 2023, when they got ousted from the group stages. The pattern continued in the T20 World Cup last year, where they failed to qualify for the super sixes. In both tournaments, Pakistan met India and suffered defeats.