Karachi [Pakistan], February 19: As Pakistan prepares for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Wednesday, star batter Babar Azam has recalled his favorite memories from the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Pakistan triumphed over arch-rivals India at The Oval, lifting the trophy for the first time.
The 2017 competition marked a significant moment in Babar’s career, allowing him to announce himself on the international stage. In the final, Babar contributed a crucial 46 runs from 52 balls, playing a key role in Pakistan’s 180-run victory, a match that remains etched in the national cricketing consciousness.
“As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited,” Babar said, as quoted by an ICC media release.
Babar also acknowledged the contributions of key players such as Fakhar Zaman, whose 114-run innings played a pivotal role, and the fiery bowling spells by Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali, which sealed the game for Pakistan.
“My primary memories of the 2017 final are Fakhar Zaman’s innings (of 114), the spell of Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali’s spell, and the winning moment. For me, it was a new journey as I was a young player. Playing against India, that excitement and nervousness were there, but when we won, we enjoyed and celebrated,” Babar shared.
Reflecting on how the team has evolved since 2017, Babar added, “A lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming in, and we only have three or four players who were part of that winning team. But the belief, confidence, and execution are the same.”
Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand today features two of the biggest stars in the competition, with Babar Azam facing Kiwi captain Kane Williamson. Other cricketing icons like Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli are also part of their respective teams, but Babar stands out as the world’s top-ranked batter in ODI cricket, a position he has held since 2021.
“When you have a responsibility as a senior player in any team and the team relies on you and has belief in you, then I take it in a positive way. I try to give my best in every match. I try to perform so that Pakistan wins, and I enjoy my cricket,” the 30-year-old said.
Babar’s form will be critical for Pakistan to improve on their recent tournament performances. The team has faced early exits in the group stage at the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and had a similar fate at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to co-hosts USA.
“There is no pressure of anything. What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed mistakes we have made, and we have worked on them. So we will try not to do what we have done in the past,” Babar said.
Notably, Pakistan will have the advantage of playing at home, with Lahore among the three cities hosting matches. Babar believes local knowledge could help his team perform well. “When you play at home, you get that edge as you know the conditions. You have knowledge of how the pitch will behave, both in the first and second (innings), but still, you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best,” Babar explained.
“It means a lot to be hosting the competition. The hospitality here in Pakistan is great, and people love cricket here. Cricket puts everyone in one place. It unites everyone, and the whole of Pakistan is busy praying that Pakistan wins. Everyone is united in that,” Babar added.