"Pakistan does not appear to be so well prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they should have been, but historically they have fared well in the ICC events and need to win just two matches to be in the semi-finals."

This was stated by former Pakistan Captain Rashi Latif in an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune on Tuesday. Commenting on Pakistan's chances in the mega event commencing in Karachi on Wednesday, Latif said Pakistan couldn't ever be written off due to their unpredictability and the ability to bounce back.

"Basically, they (Pakistan) need to win just two matches to be in the semis, so it is not an uphill task for Rizwan and his men, especially keeping in mind the home conditions," he said. "But, of course, they need to get the team combination right and the main players have to be on song to advance."

Speaking about the 15-member squad named for the mega event, Latif said Pakistan should have selected talented spinner Sufyan Muqeem and batter Irfan Khan Niazi in the squad.

"Not just me but a whole lot of people were surprised that the national selectors did not retain the squad that won the ODI series in Australia and South Africa," said Latif, considered as the best cricketing mind in the country.

"I feel there should have been more consistency in selection. When we had groomed some fine players like Sufyan and Irfan on the challenging overseas tours last year, they should have been retained for the Champions Trophy," observed the former wicketkeeper-batsman. "I am both of them would have performed well due to the experience and confidence gained in Australia and South Africa. Besides, Irfan is such a brilliant fielder, he would have been an asset in the field to Pakistan."

As for the much-awaited Pakistan-India clash, Latif pointed out that since India has won the two ODIs played in Dubai against Pakistan, they would have an edge in the Feb 23rd clash between the arch-rivals..

"India is a strong team and have been doing well in the ODIs of late," said Latif. "Just last week they outplayed England in the home ODI series, so they are in peak form. But in cricket, every day is a new day and you can't really predict anything. India has named five spinners in their squad while we have five fast bowlers. So let's see who prevails."

When asked about the team which can lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Latif said India and South Africa looked to be in a good position due to their strong teams and solid preparations.

"South Africa at full strength can be a handful. They have good batters and fine spinners, too, in Maharaj and Shamsi to suit these conditions.

"I am also excited about Afghanistan who, on their day, can upset any side beaus their spin attack is wonderful," said Latif. "However, I will not rate England and Australia very highly this time because they lack strength in bowling.

Both the teams lost their last ODI series in India and Sri Lanka respectively which is a reflection on the lack of their ODI firepower."