With the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, the excitement is reaching a fever pitch. Fans are gearing up for the marquee clash between India and Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai, and former cricketers have joined the frenzy. Adding to the buzz, legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and iconic Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar have reignited the famous arch-rivalry between the two nations, but in a lighthearted manner. The two former adversaries, who often clashed on the field, engaged in playful banter ahead of the ILT20 2025 final, further fueling the anticipation.

Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar bring old memories back through a symbolic heated exchange

As both teams gear up to lock horns in one of cricketâ€??™s most electrifying rivalries, the countdown has well and truly begun. Fans across the wo??rld are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a blockbuster showdown between the arch-rivals in Dubai. A glimpse of the heated exchange took place between the former cricketers.

The duo faced off at the Dubai International Stadium in a playful showdown, with Harbhajan wielding a plastic bat and Akhtar ready to bowl. As they humorously squared up to each other, mimicking their intense battles of the past, the atmosphere turned electric. Their lighthearted exchange, filled with anima?ted gestures and friendly banter, sent the crowd into a frenzy. Fans erupted in cheers and laughter, reliving the nostalgia of their legendary on-field duels. The impromptu act added to the excitement, setting the perfect stage for the upcoming clash.

Here’s the video:

Thats our way of getting ready for Champions Trophy. @harbhajan_singh kee kehnday oh? pic.twitter.com/ZufYlOt7Y4

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 9, 2025

Also Read: India or ??Pakistan? Shikhar Dhawan predicts the potential?? winner of Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai

India and Pakistan set for a high-octane Champions Trophy 2025 clash

This marquee clash brings back memories of the Champions Trophy 2017 final, the last edition of the tournament, where Pakistan secured a commanding victory to lift the tr?ophy. As the defending champions, they will be eager to assert their dominance once again. Meanwhile, India, a two-time Champions Trophy winner, last triumphed in 2013 and will be determined to reclaim the title.

The arch-rivals find themselves in the same group, alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh. The tourname??nt kicks off with Pakistan facing New Zealand on? February 19, followed by India’s opening match against Bangladesh on February 20. India enters the competition in red-hot form, having secured an emphatic ODI series victory over England. With momentum on their side and a history of thrilling encounters, the stage is set for an electrifying battle between these cricketing giants.

Also Read: Imam-Ul-Haq expresses his disap??point??ment over omission from Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad

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Modern-day cricket has witnessed the rise of several world-class bowlers who dominate across formats. With the evolution of batting techniques and aggressive playing styles, bowlers must constantly adapt to stay ahead. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Shaheen Afridi, and Kagiso Rabada are often regarded as some of the toughest bowlers to face. Their ability to generate pace, movement, and variat?ions makes them a nightmare for batters across all conditions.

However, picking the absolute toughest bowler is a challenging task, as it depends on various factors, including skillset, adaptability, and consistency. While many would expect a household name like Bumrah or Cummins to be the top pick, legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has made a rather surprising choice.

Shoaib Akhtar reveals his pick

Akhtar, known for his blistering pace and fearless opinions, has named Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi as the toughest bowler in modern-day cricket. Speaking on Switch, Akhtar praised Farooqi’s intelligence and ability to trouble ??batters with his precise bowling.

“There is no doubt that Fazalhaq Farooqi is the smartest bowler in current cricket. The most special thing about his bowling is that he does not give room to the batsmen. He has played so much cricket till now that he knows how to bowl to the batsman. He has learnt to read the batsman’s mind. At present Fazalhaq Farooqi is one of the toughest bowlers in the world. It is very difficult to hit him with the new ball,” said Akhtar.

Also WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar shares a? hilarious moment with Dolly Ch?aiwala during ILT20 2025

The Rawalpindi Express further elaborated on how Farooqi has improved his?? skills and is now effective with both the new and old ball.

“Now he is bowling well even with the old ball. He has a yorker and a slow ball. He is the smartest bowler in the world. He knows his game. Earlier he was not able to read the batsmen but now he is constantly reading the batsman and putting the batsmen in trouble,” added Akhtar.

Impressive performance in ILT20 2025

Farooqi has been in sensational form in the ongoing ILT20 2025, where he has emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. The Afghanistan pacer has taken an impressive 20 wickets in just 10 matches, showcasing his ability to dismantle batting line-ups. His performances have not only caught the attention of experts like Akhtar but have also solidified his reputation as one of the most promising fast bowler??s in world cricket.

Also READ: Pakistanâ€??™s? Shoaib Akhtar predicts the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

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In a lighthearted moment that has gone viral, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is serving as one of the brand ambassadors for the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025, shared an amusing video with Instagram sensation Sunil Patel, famously known as Dolly Chaiwala. The clip, posted by Akhtar on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, shows the cricket legend engaging in a playful conversation with Dolly?.

Dolly Chaiwala’s unique take on Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling style

Dolly, a tea vendor from Nagpur who has gained international fame for his charismatic tea-making videos on Instagram, didn’t hold back his humorous take on Akhtar’s legendary pace. In the video, Akhtar asks Dolly if he had ever watched his matches. To this, Dolly enthusiastically responds, “Yes, I watched many of your matches! When you were bowling, it felt like you? weren’t just bowling-you were hitting the ball right at the batter!�/em>

The conversation took an even funnier turn when Akhtar cheekily asked, �em>Did you feel bad when I dismissed Sachin?�Without missing a beat, Dolly replied, �em>What can I do? As an Indian, I’m a Sachin fan too!�This playful banter had both men chuckling, with Akhtar adding, �em>I felt bad too.�The exchange highlighted the camarader?ie and mutual respec?t shared by cricket fans and players, regardless of national rivalries.

Wrapping up the cheerful interaction, Akhtar complimented Dolly on his famous tea, saying, �em>I really like your tea,�and wished h??im the best of luck in his future endeavou??rs.

Here is the video:

Ran into Dolly Chaiwala at the stadium. What a lovely character with an inspiring story pic.twitter.com/W7lJ1Usefc

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) January 31, 2025

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ILT20 playoffs set to begin as group stage concludes

As the ILT20 2025 heats up, the tournament is approaching its playoff stage. The final group stage match will see the Desert Vipers take on the Dubai Capitals on Monday, Febru??ary 3. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on Fe??bruary 5.

Currently, Desert Vipers are in excellent form, having played nine matches, winning seven, and losing only two. Fans are eagerly anticipating the high-stakes matches as t?he league edges closer to crowning its champion.

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In the world of cricket, the rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense and eagerly anticipated matchups. Among the many fierce on-field battles, the one between Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and Pakistan’s fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar stands out as one of the greatest. Their heated encounters during India-Pakistan matches have always thrilled fans. However, despite their on-field confrontations, the two cricketers share a warm friendship off the field, a bond that was once again evident during the ongoing International League T20 (ILT20).

Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar’s fun moment at ILT20 2025

Harbhajan and Akhtar, who are both serving as brand ambassadors for the ILT20, were seen sharing lighthearted moments during the tournament. Despite having represented rival nations in their playing days, the camaraderie between the two former cricketers continues to be admired by fans. During a recent ILT20 match, Akhtar was seen playfully chasing Harbhajan on the field, much to the delight of the audience. The moment, filled with laughter and nostalgia, was captured in a video that Akhtar later shared on his Instagram account accompanied by the iconic Bollywood song “Ye Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge,” originally sung by legendary Indian singers Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey. The video resonated with cricket fans from both nations, highlighting the strong bond the two players share de?spite their past on-field clashes.

Also READ: Netflix releases trailer of ‘The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan�/a>

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return with a bang, being co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. As one of cricket’s marquee events, the tournament has already generated trem??endous excitement and anticipation among fans and experts alike. Scheduled to feature the top eight ODI t??eams, the competition promises high-stakes encounters, intense rivalries, and thrilling moments.

With Pakistan hosting the event for the first time since 1996, there is immense pride and expectations from the home team to perform well. Similarly, the UAE’s modern facilities add a unique blend of venues to the tournament, furt??her heightening the buzz around the competition.

Shoaib Akhtar picks his finalists for Champions Trophy 2025

Former cricketers and analysts have begun sharing their predictions for the event, and Shoaib Akhtar is the latest to weigh in. In a recent conversation, the former Pakistan speedster shared his thoughts on the tournament’s potential finalists. Akhtar expressed confidence that both India and Pakistan would not only make it to the semi-finals but could also meet in the final.

“India and Pakistan will definitely play the semi-finals. Both teams can also reach the finals,” said Akhtar while talking to PTV Sports, aligning with the popular sentiment that the Asian giants a?re among the strongest contenders for t?he coveted title.

Also READ: Suresh Raina predicts the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for Champions Trophy 2025

Why Akhtar believes the Asian giants can book final berths

Explaining his reasoning, Akhtar highlighted India’s pivotal role in the global cricketing landscape and their impact on the ODI format. Akhtar emphasized India’s crucial role in sustaining the popularity of ODI cricket, referring to the team as the ‘brand ambassador of cricket.’ He noted that India’s failure to win the 2023 ODI World Cup impacted the format’s global appeal, as a victory by India could have significantly boosted its promotion. Highlighting the importance of India’s presence in marquee events, Akhtar expressed his desire for India to reach the final of the Champions Trophy to help rejuvenate interest in ODI cricket worldwide.

“India is the brand ambassador of cricket, so if ODI cricket has to survive, India will have to reach the final. Look, India did not win the 2023 ODI World Cup. Yes, Australia won but ODI cricket did not benefit from it, people do not talk much about it. Now if India had won there, ODI cricket would have been promoted everywhere. In such a situation, I want India to reach the final of the Champions Trophy,” explained Akhtar.

Discussing Pakistan’s prospects, Akhtar expressed optimism about Pakistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy, highlighting their strong recent performances in ODIs. He emphasized the significance of Pakistan hosting the event and hoped the home team would capitalize on the advantage to reach the finals. Akhtar’s confidence stems from both form and national pride.

“Look, the Champions Trophy is to be held in Pakistan. Pakistan has shown good performance in ODIs in recent times. Pakistan is the host country and I will fully hope that Pakistan also reaches the finals,” added Akhtar.

Also READ: AB de Villiers names the mo??s?t dangerous team of Champions Trophy 2025

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Cricket fans have been in awe recently after discovering Imran Muhammad, a young cricketer from Oman, whose striking resemblance to legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has gone viral. Imran’s videos, which showcase not only his physical likeness to the “Rawalpindi Express” but also his near-perfect replication of Akhtar’s bowling style, have captured the attention of cricket lovers worldwide.

An unbelievable similarity

Imran’s bowling technique is a ?near mirror image of Akhtar’s famous action. From the precise run-up to the explosive high-arm release, and even the powerful follow-through, Imran’s resemblance to the former pace icon is nothing short of incredible. Additionally, his physique and hairstyle only add to the striking similarities, making it feel as though Akhtar is back on the field in a new avatar.

Social media sensation

Imran’s cricketing skills have quickly become an online phenomenon. His videos have gained massive traction on social media, with fans around the globe sharing and commenting on his extraordinary imitati?on of Akhtar. The viral clips have garnered millions of views, t??urning Imran into an internet star overnight.

Here is the video:

He’s more Shoaib Akhtar than Shoaib Akhtar himself�pic.twitter.com/cXKQGgNgbn

— Prashanth (@ps_it_is) September 19, 2024

Also ??READ: Rashid Latif lambasts Pakistan cricket’s current state; calls for?? professional expertise

A promising talent on the rise

While the internet has been buzzing about his resemblance to Akhtar, Imran’s raw talent as a fast bowler has not gone unnoticed. His speed and accuracy have impressed many, suggesting that he has a bright future ahead. As he continues to develop his skills, Imran could very well make his own mark in the world of cricket, moving beyond just being Akhtar’s lookalike.

The?? road ahead looks promising for Imran. With dedication and hard work, along with the support of his growing fanbase, he has the potential to become a formidable player. It will be exciting to watch how his career progresses an??d whether he can build on the viral fame to establish himself as a star in the sport.

Also READ: Pakista??n legend Shoaib Akhtar names his favourite cricketer, actors and co-commentator in a rapid-fire round

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Shoaib Akhtar, the legendary Pakistani fast bowler, is celebrated as one of the most fearsome pacers in the history of cricket. Known as the “Rawalpindi Express” for his blistering speed and devastating yorkers and bouncers, Akhtar terrorized batters around the world throughout his career. His ability to consistently bowl at lightning speeds made him a formidable opponent, and he holds the distinction of being the fastest bowler in the history of the game.

Shoaib Akhtar’s international career

Akhtar’s international career began in November 1997 with a Test match against the West Indies. Over the next 14 years, he would go on to play 219 internati??onal matches, claiming 438 wickets at an average of 25.02 and an economy rate of 4.11. He retired from international cricket in March 2011 after an illustrious career that left an indelible mark on the sport.

Here are the five fastest balls ever bowled by Akhtar in international cricket:

5. 154.3 km/h vs Australia, 1999

In 1999, during a Test match against Australia in Hobart, Akhtar was still carving out his place in the cricketing world. Facing a star-studded Australian batting lineup that included Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, and Mark Waugh, Akhtar?? delivered a fiery spell. One delivery in particular, clocked at 154.3 km/h, was a standout moment, showcasing his raw pace and potential to dominate even the best in the w?orld.

4. 155.2 km/h vs Netherlands, 2003

During the 28th match of the 2003 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan faced the Netherlands. It was in this match that Pakistani bowler unleashed one of his fastest deliveries, recorded at 155.2 km/h. Akhtar’s lethal pace proved too much for the Dutch batsmen, as he took three wickets in the match, further solidifying his reputation as the fastest bowler on the planet.

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3. 158.4 km/h vs England, 2003

The 2003 ODI World Cup was a stage where the veteran cricketer truly demonstrated his speed. In the 23rd match of the tournament, Pakistan faced England. It was here that Akhtar bowled a delivery at an astonishing 158.4 km/h to England’s Nick Knight. This delivery was one of the fastest in the tournament and left the cricketing world in awe of Akhtar’s pace.

2. 159.5 km/h vs England, 2003

Just when it seemed Akhtar couldn’t get any faster, he did. In same match against England during the 2003 World Cup, he bowled yet another scorching delivery, this time clocking in at 159.5 km/h. This ball, once again delivered to Nick, was a testament to Akhtar’s unmatched ability to consistently bowl at speeds few could even dream of.

1. 161.3 km/h vs England, 2003

Akhtar’s crowning achievement came during the ODI World Cup 2003 edition in Durban, South Africa. In the similar match against England, Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery ever recorded in international cricket â€?a mind-boggling 161.3 km/h. This historic ball was the final delivery of the third over in a spell that had already seen Akhtar push the boundaries of pace bowling. The delivery cemented Akhtar’s legacy as the fastest bowler in cricket history and remains a benchmark for speed in the sport.

Also READ: ‘Will score five cen?turies in five monthsâ€? Former Pakistan cricketer predicts Babar Azamâ€?™s comeback

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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has reached its thrilling conclusion, with South Africa and India ?set to face off in the highly anticipated final. The match will take place at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. Both teams have displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, making the final a highly anticipated event ??for cricket fans worldwide.

Exceptional performances by both teams

Throughout the tournament, both India and South Africa have displayed extraordinary skill?? and determination, maintaining unb??eaten records. Their consistent performances have set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying final.

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India have shown tactical brilliance and a powerful batting lineup. Meanwhile, South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram,?? have showcased a balanced ??team with both strong batting and bowling units.

Shoaib Akhtar picks his winner

Ahead of the much-awaited clash, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has revealed his prediction. Akhtar expressed his strong belief that India deserves to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He even congratulated India in advance, stating that they should have won the last two World Cups and are well-positioned to win this one. Akhtar emphasized India’s superior performance and consistency throughout the tournament, highlighting their deservingness of the title.

“I think India deserves it and many congratulations to India. This is what I have been saying for the longest period of time that they should have won the last two World Cups, and they should win this one as well,” said Akhtar on his YouTube channel.

Also READ: SA vs IND – ICC announces Match Officials for the final of T20 World Cup 2024

Spin challenge for the Proteas

Akhtar also analyzed the strategic aspect of the final, suggesting that if South Africa wins the toss, they should choose to bat first to gain a slight advantage. He pointed out that South Africa, despite their strong performance, might struggle against India’s formidable spinners. Akhtar’s confidence in India’s chances stems from his belief that South African batters will find it challenging to score against India’s spin attack, reinforcing his prediction that India should emerge victorious.

“If South Africa win the toss, they should look to bat first. Then you still have a slight margin or else, they are playing their very first final, but after this performance, even South Africa will be scared. Who will score runs in front of these spinners? India should definitely win this one,” added Akhtar.

Also READ: India vs South Africa, who will win T20 Wo??rld Cup 2024? Predictions, Team analysis and Odds for the favourites

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The Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 concluded dramatically as Afghanistan triumphed over Bangladesh in a thrilling encounter in St Vincent, consequently eliminating Australia from the tournament. This victory confirmed the four semi-finalists: South Africa will face Afghanistan and India will compete against England.

Shoaib Akhtar names the potential winner of T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has confidently predicted that India will win the ongoing T20 World Cup. India’s impressive 24-run victory over Australia in St. Lucia secured their position at the top of their Super Eight group, setting up a semi-final clash with England on June 27. Rohit Sharma’s e??xceptional performance, scor??ing 92 off 41 balls, was instrumental in India’s success and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Also READ: ??Afghanistan’s Najibullah Zadran mercilessly roast Pat Cummins for his ‘definitely Australia�semifinal prediction | T20 World Cup 2024

Akhtar’s admiration 

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Akhtar expressed his admiration for the Indian team and Rohit  in particular. He lamented India’s missed opportunity to win the ODI World Cup 2023 but is optimistic about their chances in the T20 World Cup. He believed Rohit Shar?ma deserves to lift the trophy this time,.

“Well done India, this is your World Cup now. You should win this and the World Cup should stay in the subcontinent. You should have won the previous too and this too. You deserve it one hundred percent. My support is with you. Rohit’s intent is good and his conscience is clear. He deserves to lift the trophy,” Akhtar said.

He also highlighted that India’s determination to defeat Australia stemmed from the heartbreak of losing the ODI World Cup final last year.

“What a comprehensive win for India. They had been going through depression after they lost a World Cup that they should have won. They had lost to Australia in the final and that depression turned into obsession. They wanted to hit back at Australia,” Akhtar concluded.

Also READ: T20 World Cu?p 2024 Semifinals??: Teams, Match Date, Timings & Reserve days

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