'India would have won Champions Trophy anywhere': Wasim Akram
10 Mar 2025

Former Pakistan cricketer, Wasim Akram, has hailed India after their dominating win in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Although critics have said that India won because they played all their matches in Dubai, Akram is adamant "this Indian team would have won it anywhere in the world."

He added India's consistent performance is a testament to their cricketing depth and strong leadership.

India's unbeaten run in recent ICC events
Dominance

It is worth noting that India have lost just one of their last 23 matches in ICC tournaments.

Their Champions Trophy performance was especially phenomenal, where they finished unbeaten.

Notably, India lost the toss in each of their five matches.

This dominance was backed by key batters like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli.

Akram praises BCCI's support amid pressure
Support

Akram also lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their unwavering support during tough times.

He recalled how there was pressure to remove captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir after defeats to New Zealand, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and in Sri Lanka.

However, "sanity prevailed," and the BCCI backed them.

"Now they are the champions of the champion," Akram said, emphasizing India's remarkable comeback.

India played their matches in Dubai
Venue

India beat New Zealand in the final to win their third Champions Trophy title, the most for a side.

Overall they won their seventh ICC title (also two ODI World Cups and two T20 World Cups).

Notably, India played all their games in Dubai, instead of Pakistan, due to political issues. Therefore, the first semi-final and final were reserved for Dubai.