Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi Clash Over India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy Showdown

As the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi found themselves at odds over their assessments of the two teams. During a television program ahead of the Group A match on Sunday (February 23) at the Dubai International Stadium, Afridi remarked that Pakistan appeared weaker than India—an opinion that Yuvraj strongly disagreed with.

Afridi: 'Pakistan Weaker Than India'

Shahid Afridi, who has played several high-stakes India-Pakistan encounters, stated that the current Pakistan squad lacks the match-winning firepower it once had.

"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don’t have such players in Pakistan," Afridi said during JioHotstar’s Greatest Rivalry Returns.

The former Pakistan captain highlighted that while India boasts a formidable middle order packed with consistent performers, Pakistan has struggled to develop long-term match-winners.

"India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few games, but we don’t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That’s where we are a little weaker compared to India," he added.

However, Afridi maintained that a collective team effort could still give Pakistan a fighting chance.

"The key to winning against India is collective performance—whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners—everyone’s contribution is crucial," he said.

Yuvraj: 'Pakistan Has the Edge'

Yuvraj Singh, on the other hand, offered a contrasting perspective, arguing that Pakistan holds an advantage due to their experience playing in Dubai.

"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well," said Yuvraj.

While he agreed that India has more match-winners, Yuvraj emphasized that the India-Pakistan rivalry is about much more than just individual brilliance.

"You talk about match-winners—yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away. The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it’s about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you," Yuvraj said.

Tournament Scenario

India and Pakistan have had contrasting starts in the Champions Trophy. India secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their opening match in Dubai, while Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in Karachi.

With one loss already, Pakistan faces a must-win situation against India. A defeat on Sunday could see them crash out of the tournament, making this high-voltage clash even more crucial.

The cricketing world now awaits the showdown as two of the biggest rivals in the sport prepare to battle it out in Dubai.