Kamran Akmal Picks Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finalists; Critiques Pakistan’s Weaknesses

The Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and cricket fans are excited to see which team will dominate the tournament. Eight teams are competing for the title, so selecting the semifinalist is not easy.

 Australia, the former ODI World Cup winners, are missing key players due to injuries and retirements. India also misses the star pacer Jasprit  Bumrah. Pakistan’s recent poor form, including their loss in the tri-series against New Zealand at home. 

Kamran Akmal Predicts Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finalists

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper and ex-selector Kamran Akmal shared his semifinalist of the Champions Trophy 2025. According to Akmal, Pakistan is unlikely to make it to the super four. He believes that India, England, New Zealand, and South Africa are the strong contenders for the top four.

“Pakistan’s team is unpredictable. If they perform well, they can go far, but if not, they may struggle early. The team has many loopholes. Our bowling attack is weak, spinners are missing, and openers are inconsistent. I don’t understand the selectors’ and captain’s decisions. Even the chairman approved this squad. Meanwhile, other teams look much more balanced,” Akmal told Hindustan Times.

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Pakistan’s Struggles and Team Weakness

Pakistan Squad for the champions trophy has faced a lot of criticism, including from Kamran Akmal. He believes that the team could have been stronger with better player selection.The main issues are:

• Weak Bowling Attack: Pakistan lacks quality spinners, and its pace bowlers are struggling.
• Inconsistent Batting: The opening batsmen have not performed consistently.
• Team Selection Issue: Some players are selected despite poor recent form.
• Lack of Leadership: Mohhamd Rizwan is the captain of the Pakistan Cricket team, but he lacks experience leading ICC tournaments.

“We could have announced a better team. Australia is weak due to injuries, but Pakistan’s squad selection is also questionable. If Pakistan reaches the semi-finals, it would be a huge achievement,” he added.

India vs Pakistan Cricket Rivalry: Akmal’s Take

The India vs. Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the biggest in the sport. However, due to political issues, the two teams rarely play in the series. Akmal expressed his dissatisfaction, saying that cricket fans suffer.

“India and Pakistan matches are always high-stakes games. In the past, India toured Pakistan in 2004 and 2006, and we went to India multiple times. But now, it seems impossible to see the two teams playing in each other’s countries again. It is unfortunate because the cricket-loving public is missing out,” Akmal said.

Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Here are the Pakistan 15-member squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

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