Not Australia Or England: Sri Lanka Legend Picks Two Favourites For Champions Trophy 2025 Title

Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has picked last edition finalists, India and Pakistan favourites for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The fever of the Champions Trophy is slowly gripping fans as the tournament will return on February 19 after more than seven years. The top eight ODI sides will compete for the coveted trophy, including India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and defending champions Pakistan.

As fans and former cricketers predict the top contenders for the marquee event, Muralitharan has rooted for India and Pakistan as favourites for the tournament.

"See, there are favourites, but you can't be assured that this team will win. India and Pakistan will be favourites. Pakistan because of home conditions, and India is also a top team in these conditions," Muralitharan told ANI.

After suffering a 2-0 bilateral ODI series loss in Sri Lanka last year, India returned to winning ways in 50-over cricket with back-to-back dominant wins against England on home turf.

On the other hand, Pakistan have been flying high in ODIs after orchestrating ODI series win in Zimbabwe, Australia and South Africa. However, their recent results on home turf is a completely different story.

Pakistan convincingly lost the ODI tri-nation opening clash against New Zealand by 78 runs last week in Lahore. They will look to rediscover their form in the upcoming match against South Africa on Wednesday.

The Champions Trophy will be held across Pakistan and Dubai on surfaces known for their placid nature. Muralitharan expects the pitches to offer something for spinners, allowing them to thrive in the competition.

"Rashid (Khan) is good, and there is (Ravindra) Jadeja. You have a lot of spinners