Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group and widely known as Mr. Cricket UAE, has predicted that India will be the favorites to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan.
India’s depth in both batting and bowling puts them in a strong position for the tournament, he told Dubai Newsweek during an interview on the sidelines of an event, where he handed over free tickets for the Champions Trophy matches to hundreds of blue-collar workers in Dubai.
India will miss Bumrah: Anis Sajan
“India without Jasprit Bumrah is half the team, and the Indian team will miss him in the Champions Trophy matches here in Dubai. But, even without him, India is still a very strong team,” he said.
He further added that key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to excel in the white-ball format, making them the favorites.
Sajan also referred to India’s historical dominance over Pakistan in ODIs, citing that the Indian team has had the upper hand over Pakistan in the past decade. He believes India’s consistent form in ODIs gives them a significant advantage.
“If you look at the past 10 years’ record, it shows India completely dominating Pakistan in the 50-over format,” he explained.
Sajan also mentioned Pakistan’s recent loss to New Zealand as a factor in his prediction.
“Pakistan had an upset against New Zealand in both their recent matches, which puts them at a disadvantage going into the match against India,” he stated. However, he also expressed his belief that Pakistan will bounce back.
Key players
Sajan hoped that performances of India’s stars like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer will be key to victory. He also highlighted Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh as key bowlers to watch out for during the tournament.
“In batting, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are players to be watched out for, and in bowling, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh will be crucial,” he said.
Looking at Pakistan, Sajan spoke about their former captain, Babar Azam, and his potential to lead the team to victory.
“Babar Azam is key to Pakistan’s chances. He should bat at No. 3, where he has done well before, and I hope he scores runs in this tournament,” said Sajan.
He also emphasized that Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s ace pacer, could play a vital role in the team’s success.
Semi-finalists?
Sajan believes that the semi-finals will feature four strong teams.
“The four semi-finalists will be Pakistan, India, South Africa, and England,” he predicted confidently.
When it comes to the final, Sajan expressed his hope to see India and Pakistan face off for the ultimate prize. “If India and Pakistan make it to the finals, it will be a fantastic event for cricket fans, especially here in the UAE,” he said.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature top international teams, with India’s matches being held in Dubai.
India has declined to play on Pakistani soil, making Dubai International Stadium the perfect location for several group-stage matches.
India’s group-stage schedule includes:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand
If India advances to the semi-finals, the first semi-final will be held in Dubai on March 4, 2025. The final match, scheduled for March 9, 2025, will take place at either Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, or Dubai International Stadium, depending on India’s progress in the tournament.
This exciting series of matches will provide cricket fans in Dubai, as well as those from neighboring emirates, with the opportunity to witness some of the world’s best cricketers in action.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
