Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizes that while winning the Champions Trophy is important, the real challenge lies in defeating arch-rivals India in their upcoming clash during the tournament.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has challenged Pakistan’s cricket team to not only aim for the ICC Champions Trophy but also to defeat India on February 23 in Dubai. The revamped Gaddafi Stadium was unveiled at a grand event.

Shehbaz Sharif’s comment on the upcoming India vs. Pakistan Champions Trophy clash has sparked a debate. Sharif’s remark raises question about the team’s priorities ahead of the ICC tournament. Pakistan and India will face each other in the group-stage on 23 February.

Pakistan and India have a history of cricket rivalry and generally the Indian team has held the advantage in ICC events since the 90s. Pakistan's last win in an ICC event against India came in 2021 when they won in Dubai in the T20 World Cup.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, Sharif said the players must give their best against India.

Pakistan PM Sharif stresses the importance of beating India in Dubai's upcoming cricket match. He calls on the team to excel in both the ICC Champions Trophy and against their arch-rivals.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan as the official host. However, Team India will play all its matches in Dubai.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has renovated three venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi for the Champions Trophy.