Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has stirred debate by stating that he wants Pakistan to win their upcoming Champions Trophy clash against India, as it would keep the tournament competitive. The highly anticipated match is set to take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan, reeling from a heavy defeat against New Zealand in their opening game, are currently fourth in the Group A standings. With three matches remaining, the defending champions face a tough road to qualification if they fail to secure a victory against India.
Wassan’s Take on Pakistan’s Win Keeping the Tournament Alive
Speaking to news agency ANI, Wassan argued that a Pakistan victory would make the tournament more engaging.
“I want Pakistan to win because it will be fun, tournament-wise. If you don’t let Pakistan win, then what will you do? If Pakistan wins, then it becomes a contest. There should be an equal fight,” he remarked.
#WATCH | Delhi | On India's match against Pakistan in the #ICCChampionsTrophy tomorrow in Dubai, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan says, "I want Pakistan to win the match as it will make the tournament exciting. If Pakistan is eliminated, then what will be left for the… pic.twitter.com/lRKZoBl5VJ
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2025
Pakistan famously won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, defeating Virat Kohli-led India by a staggering 180 runs in the final. However, they also suffered a 124-run defeat to India in the group stage of that edition.
Wassan Criticizes Rishabh Pant’s Exclusion
Beyond the Indo-Pak clash, Wassan also voiced concerns over India’s team selection, particularly the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant from the playing XI. The former cricketer took a dig at head coach Gautam Gambhir, alleging that he is “picking his own team” rather than selecting players strategically.
“I am just very upset that Rishabh Pant is not playing. I don’t know why. He’s a mercurial player who makes the other team nervous. They feel that he will single-handedly win the match. KL Rahul is a very good player but does not attract such fear from the opposition. You let Rishabh Pant down. If you let a good player enter this situation where he won’t play, the hero in him becomes zero,” Wassan said.
Pant was named in India’s 15-man squad for the tournament but has been left out of the starting XI, with KL Rahul preferred at No. 6.