India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is still one of the most intense and hotly contested rivalry in the sport’s history. Former cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq have also shared some of their thoughts on JioHotstar’s special episode Greatest Rivalry Returns as excitement builds for their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 clash on February 23.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that India has more match-winning players at the moment than Pakistan. Pakistan have offered one or two opportunities to players, and only a couple have the consistency to win matches single-handedly, he pointed out.
“A matchwinner is someone who knows how to take the game away from the opposition. We do not have such players in Pakistan right now. Recent victories will be based on India’s middle and lower order. Individually, we get patches of brilliance in Pakistan but not the performance sustaining over 50-60 games and that is the India strength. We need a collective effort from our batsmen, our bowlers and our spinners to beat India,” Afridi said.
However, in the midst of all the professional talk, Yuvraj Singh had a different opinion that India had more match winners, but Pakistan had the upper hand as they are more accustomed to UAE conditions.
“Cricket in Dubai and the conditions are familiar, and they understand them very well. This game is also not about how many match-winners India has, but yes, we do have more. That’s about playing the moment, adjusting to the moment, getting to handle pressure. Even if Pakistan have no match winners, one can change the game. We will end up winning those who manage the occasion better,” Yuvraj said.
Both sides are ready for a high-stakes clash in the Champions Trophy, and fans are waiting to watch another gripping chapter in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
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