Sun Feb 23 07:41:22 UTC 2025: ## India and Pakistan Set for High-Stakes Champions Trophy Clash

**Dubai, UAE:** Cricket fever reaches a fever pitch as India and Pakistan prepare for a crucial Champions Trophy match on February 23rd at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While the geopolitical tension surrounding the match is reportedly less pronounced than in previous encounters, the rivalry remains intense among fans. Pakistan, victorious over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, will aim to repeat their success, while India seeks revenge.

This match is critical for both teams. Victory would bolster India’s semi-final hopes, while Pakistan faces a must-win situation to stay in the tournament. India enters the match confident after a decisive win against Bangladesh, while Pakistan looks to rebound from a loss to New Zealand.

India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, revealed in a pre-match press conference that Rishabh Pant is unlikely to play due to illness. The team may also make a single change to the playing XI, potentially replacing Kuldeep Yadav with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. India’s batting lineup will rely heavily on Gill, who recently scored two consecutive centuries, along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana are expected to lead the bowling attack.

Pakistan may replace Fakhar Zaman with Imam-ul-Haq, but otherwise, the team is expected to remain largely unchanged. Abrar Ahmed is likely to feature as a spinner, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will spearhead the pace bowling.

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and Sports 18, and live streamed on JioHotstar (free of charge). Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned India’s pride in ISRO’s achievements in his “Mann Ki Baat” address. Separately, a tragic road accident in Bihar claimed the lives of several pilgrims returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela.

**Probable Playing XI:**

**India:** Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami

**Pakistan:** Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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