Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has downplayed the hype surrounding the upcoming India versus Pakistan fixture in the Champions Trophy 2025, claiming that fans will not enjoy the contest as much as they anticipate due to the gulf in class between the two sides.
Harbhajan stated that India are far ahead of Pakistan in ODI cricket and expects the February 23 encounter in Dubai to be a lop-sided affair.
The excitement surrounding the marquee clash remains as high as ever. Tickets for the match at the 25,000-seater stadium went on sale for the second time on Sunday, February 16, only to sell out within hours.
"India and Pakistan. You heard it right, this is an overhyped match between India and Pakistan. Because there is nothing in it," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
"Look at their main batters. Their star batter is Babar Azam. His average against India is 31. If you are a top batter, you have to average around 50. Then, there is Rizwan. I like him as a player. He plays freely. But his average against India is 25. Fakhar Zaman, their only full-time opener, has an average of 46. It's a good average. Fakhar can take the game away from India."
"Faheem Ashraf averages 12.5! I don't think he will be a big threat. Saud Shakeel has an average of 8 against India. Looking at their batting line-up, I don't get the confidence that this team will even fight," he added.
India and Pakistan last faced each other in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. The Men in Green failed to chase 120 in that game, letting go of a good chance to clinch a win over their arch-rivals.
Their last ODI meeting -- during the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad -- was also a one-sided affair. Pakistan were bowled out for 191 and India overhauled the target in just 30.3 overs.
Harbhajan also expects New Zealand to beat Pakistan in the first match of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Karachi on February 19.
"Recently, India hammered England at home. On the other hand, Pakistan lost to New Zealand in a tri-series at home.
"Keep in mind, New Zealand will play the first match against Pakistan. I think New Zealand will hammer Pakistan once again. Because, New Zealand seem to have understood the conditions and tactics.
"India are way ahead at this stage. I think it will be a one-sided game. It's an overhyped contest. Yes, the tickets have been prized high. But, I don't think we will get a lot of fun watching this one-sided match," Harbhajan remarked.
