As the cricketing world braces for another India-Pakistan showdown on Sunday in Dubai during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has described the much-anticipated clash as the “mother of all battles.”
Speaking on JioHotstar, Sidhu highlighted the immense pressure and expectations surrounding the rivalry:
“It is the mother of all battles. There’s nothing bigger than this. When 150 crore people expect a win from you, they will never swallow a defeat. There is a culture of retribution,” Sidhu remarked, underscoring the intense emotions that fans and players experience during these contests.
A Psychological Battlefield
Beyond physical skills, Sidhu emphasized the mental aspect of the encounter:
“This game is played more between the ears than between the hands—it’s a psychological battle. There’s plenty of nervous energy floating around, but the side that converts it into positive energy is the side that will win,” he added.
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is arguably the most-watched sporting event outside of global football tournaments, with billions of fans tuning in across the world.
A Painful Flashback: 2017 Champions Trophy Final
For many Indian fans, the 2017 Champions Trophy final remains a sore memory. Facing Pakistan at The Oval, India suffered a 180-run defeat, marking one of their most significant losses in an ICC final.
- Pakistan’s innings:
- Scored 338/4 in 50 overs.
- Fakhar Zaman starred with a scintillating 114 off 106 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes).
- India’s chase:
- Started disastrously with Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck by Mohammad Amir in the third ball.
- Virat Kohli followed soon after, departing for just 5 runs.
- Hardik Pandya fought back with an aggressive 76 off 43 balls but was run out by Mohammad Hafeez.
- India was bowled out for 158 in 30.3 overs.
- Amir and Hasan Ali claimed three wickets each, dismantling the Indian batting lineup.
What to Expect in Dubai:
With memories of 2017 still fresh, India seeks redemption, while Pakistan aims to maintain its winning momentum. Sidhu’s words echo the high-stakes pressure and the pride at stake for both nations.
Will India avenge their 2017 heartbreak or will Pakistan once again emerge victorious? The stage is set, emotions are high, and the world will be watching.