India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy: Not just the cup, Pakistan PM says real task is to take down India too

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set the stakes high for Pakistan’s cricket team, declaring that their real task is not just winning the ICC Champions Trophy but also taking down arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai.

Speaking at the grand inauguration of the revamped Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, Sharif made his expectations clear.

"We have a very good side and they have done well in recent times, but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India, in the upcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation stands behind them," Sharif said.


With Pakistan and India’s storied cricket rivalry, the high-voltage clash carries extra intensity. India has dominated ICC events since the ‘90s, but Pakistan’s memorable T20 World Cup victory in 2021, also in Dubai, proved they could turn the tide.

Tensions between the cricket boards have only added more fire to the contest. With India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, their much-anticipated showdown in Dubai has an added layer of drama.

Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions, having last lifted the trophy in 2017 in England. Sharif called it a momentous occasion for Pakistan to host a major ICC event after nearly three decades.

"It is a big occasion for Pakistan that we are hosting a big ICC event after nearly 29 years," he said.

The newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium was unveiled in grand fashion, with Sharif praising the modernized venue as a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing passion.

"I have full confidence that our team will continue to make the nation proud in the upcoming Champions Trophy."

The event was attended by politicians, government officials, PCB representatives, PSL franchise owners, and former PCB chairmen Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi. The celebrations included electrifying performances from Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig, a dazzling fireworks show, and a stunning display of lights and drums.

(With PTI inputs)