The eight-team tournament is slated to be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.
The eight-team tournament is slated to be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has also joined the prediction bandwagon, picking India, New Zealand, England and South Africa as the potential semi-finalists.
Akmal ignored his national team, saying that there are many loopholes in the squad of the defending champions.
"Pakistan ki team aisi hai chal jaaye toh chand tak, warna shaam tak. Our team has many loopholes. The bowling is struggling. Spinners are not there. The openers are struggling. I don't know what the selectors and the captain thought. Even our chairman gave his approval. Let's see how things unfold. The rest of the teams look much more balanced," Akmal told Hindustan Times.
"We could have announced a better team. I think India, New Zealand, England and South Africa will make the semi-finals. Australia is depleted because of injuries to five key players. I don't know the thought process behind picking such a Pakistan team. The chairman hasn't played that much cricket; he doesn't understand matters, perhaps, so he gave his approval for such a team. India look clear favourites; they deserve to play the final. But I can't say the same about Pakistan. If they make the semi-final, I would consider it a big achievement," he explained.
Kamran Akmal also shared his thoughts on the India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry. "India and Pakistan is a delicate matter. Whatever happens, it has to be at the top level. India toured Pakistan in 2004 and 2006, and their team also came here for the 2008 Asia Cup. But people like you and me will continue to be sad about the teams not playing in each other's countries. We have also toured India many times, but I think it will remain a dream to see India and Pakistan playing in both countries. Just the cricket-loving public will suffer," he remarked.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.