9 years of Champions Trophy glory, Players relive 2017 triumph

Nine years have passed since Pakistan’s historic victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, when the team led by captain Sarfaraz Ahmed defeated arch-rivals India by 180 runs at The Oval to lift the title.

To mark the occasion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a video in which former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed described lifting the ICC Champions Trophy as the most memorable moment of his career. He said the achievement was the result of a collective effort by the players, coaching staff, management and selection committee.

Opening batter Fakhar Zaman said that his innings in the final and that historic day remain fresh in his memory. He added that the Champions Trophy 2017 taught him many valuable lessons.

Spinner Abrar Ahmed revealed that he watched the 2017 final from home and was overjoyed by Pakistan’s victory. He recalled visiting Sarfaraz Ahmed’s house when the trophy was brought to Karachi but due to the large crowd, he could not see it up close. Being able to view the trophy closely now, he said, is a special moment for him.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad shared that during the Champions Trophy preparation camp, he was serving as a net bowler for the Pakistan team at the National Cricket Academy.

Aamir Jamal said that winning the Champions Trophy was a moment of immense pride for the entire nation and that the memories of the semi-final and final remain unforgettable.

He also recalled that when Virat Kohli’s catch was dropped in the final, everyone came under pressure. However, on the very next ball, Shadab Khan’s brilliant catch brought Pakistan back into the contest and shifted the momentum in their favor.