Babar Azam Confident as Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy 2025

Babar Azam Confident as Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy 2025

Home Advantage, Strong Belief & A Shot at History

Babar Azam was just 22 years old when he played a key role in Pakistan’s historic ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2017. Eight years later, the prolific batter has evolved into one of the finest players across all formats, and as Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy 2025, Babar is ready to create new memories on home soil.

The 2017 final against India remains one of the most iconic moments in Pakistan’s cricket history. From Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 114 to Mohammad Amir’s lethal spell and Hasan Ali’s match-winning heroics, every Pakistani fan cherishes that victory. For Babar, that tournament marked the beginning of his rise in international cricket. However, the Pakistan captain is not dwelling on the past instead, he is focused on leading his team to another ICC title.

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in Karachi, Babar expressed his excitement about hosting a global cricket event after a long gap. The opportunity to play in familiar conditions and in front of home fans could be a major advantage for Pakistan. Lahore, Babar’s home city, is among the three Pakistani venues for the tournament, and the captain believes that local knowledge will help the team perform better.

Pakistan’s squad has changed significantly since 2017, with only a few members from the champion team still in the lineup. However, the belief, confidence, and execution remain the same. With Babar leading from the front, Pakistan will be aiming to improve on their recent tournament struggles, having fallen short in the ICC Cricket World Cups and the T20 World Cup 2024.

Babar, currently the No.1 ranked ODI batter, will go head-to-head with Kane Williamson in Pakistan’s first match. Alongside Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root, he represents the elite group of batters set to dominate the tournament. Carrying the responsibility of seniority, Babar embraces the pressure, stating that he plays every match with the goal of winning for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s home advantage, passionate fans, and strong squad depth could be key factors in their Champions Trophy campaign. With the whole nation behind them, Babar and his team will look to recapture past glory and give Pakistan cricket another moment to celebrate.