Hasan Ali Predicts Semi-Finalists for ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Backs Pakistan’s Title Defense
Pakistan’s Star Fast Bowler Optimistic About His Team’s Chances in Upcoming Champions Trophy
LAHORE: Pakistan’s fast bowling sensation, Hasan Ali, has made his bold predictions for the semi-finalists of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, naming India, New Zealand, Australia, and Pakistan as the teams most likely to make it to the final four.
Addressing the media in Lahore on Wednesday, the 30-year-old pacer expressed confidence in his team’s chances, despite criticism surrounding the squad selection for the highly anticipated tournament. Hasan, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s historic 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, believes that the current squad is well-equipped to defend the title.
“This is the best squad we can have for the Champions Trophy,” Hasan said. “We should fully support our players, and there should be no room for doubts or second-guessing. Everyone needs to rally behind the team.”
Hasan also reflected on the memories of Pakistan’s unforgettable 2017 Champions Trophy victory, where he played a crucial role with the ball and was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances. The fast bowler was quick to remind fans and players alike of the importance of mental strength and belief, especially in big tournaments like this.
“The memories of 2017 are still fresh in my mind. It was an unforgettable moment, and that victory meant so much to all of us,” Hasan said. “It was a remarkable achievement, not just for me but for all the young players in the team.”
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held on home soil, Hasan described it as a “breath of fresh air” for Pakistan, particularly for the younger generation of players who will now have the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd.
“It’s a great development that the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan. It’s incredibly important for the youth of our country to have such an event here. I’m hopeful that Pakistan will perform well and give our fans something to cheer about,” he added.
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The upcoming ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February 2025 with Pakistan, the defending champions, facing off against New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
The tournament, which will feature 15 matches over 19 days, will be held across Pakistan and Dubai. In Pakistan, matches will take place in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, with Lahore set to host the second semi-final and the final match on 9 March 2025, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be played in Dubai.
For fans eager to witness the high-octane action, reserve days have been set aside for both semi-finals and the final. The three group-stage matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.
As excitement builds for the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on Hasan Ali and his teammates to see if they can replicate their 2017 success and lift the trophy once again on home soil.
