Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali Agha has given his thoughts on the big-ticket ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between his team and India. The CT 2025 will begin on February 19 in Pakistan, with India playing its matches in UAE.

The countdown to India vs Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy has begun, with the two arch-rivals set to face off on February 23 in Dubai.

It may appear to be just another match on paper, but the players in both teams are aware of the emotions, as well as the significance that this match represents for billions of spectators in both countries.

When Pakistan vice-captain Salman Agha was asked about the importance of the match, he said that defeating India in a single match isn't more important than lifting the Champions Trophy.

"I am excited for the Champions Trophy as Pakistan hosting an ICC event is special. Being from Lahore, lifting the trophy in my hometown would be a dream come true for me. The Pakistani team has the potential to win it.

The atmosphere during the India-Pakistan match remains very different. As they say it is the biggest game in the world. But the thing is that it is just one game, so winning the Champions Trophy is more important, rather than winning that one game,” Salman said on the PCB podcast.

Some members of the Pakistani cricket community believe that defeating India is a greater accomplishment than winning the ICC competition. Salman, however, does not share that viewpoint.

"Agar woh jeet jaye aur Champions Trophy na jeetey toh koi faida toh hai nahi. Agar woh, Allah na kare, match haarte bhi hain aur Champions Trophy jeetey, toh mere khyaal se mere liye woh sabse badi cheez hai," he added.

As focus remains on going the distance in the Champions Trophy, Salman also said that he intends to do his best and help his team in beating India, too.

“But we all want to win the India match, and we will try to win it. I will also try to give my best performance against them,” Salman said.

Here is the video: