India-Pakistan rivalry set for another chapter in Champions Trophy 2025

The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash returns on Sunday as the arch-rivals meet in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a packed Dubai International Cricket Stadium and millions expected to tune in, the contest remains one of cricket’s biggest spectacles.

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Despite the enduring hype, the balance of power has shifted over the years. Once a fiercely competitive rivalry, India now holds a significant edge, thanks to a steady pipeline of top-tier talent. Vice-captain Shubman Gill dismissed debates over whether the clash has lost its excitement, emphasizing that the passion it generates speaks for itself.

Pakistan, battling injuries, faces an uphill task against India’s formidable bowling attack, even with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah absent. Meanwhile, India’s depth is evident—players like Rishabh Pant, among the world’s best wicketkeeper-batters, might not even make the starting XI.

Gone are the days when Indian fans feared facing Pakistan’s legendary pace attacks led by Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. Today, the Babar Azams and Mohammad Rizwans don’t evoke the same confidence among Pakistan supporters as past greats like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad once did.

While the rivalry’s competitiveness may have changed, its prestige remains intact. A new chapter unfolds, and as history has shown, anything is possible when these two cricketing giants collide.