Sarfaraz Ahmed speaking during the opening ceremony of Champions Trophy 2025:
“There are so many memorable moments from the Champions Trophy 2017. If I had to pick just one, it would be tough because there are so many. Hassan Ali's amazing spell against South Africa, the partnership between me and Mohammad Amir, our bowling against England, and then Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali's partnership against India—those were all unforgettable moments. But if I had to choose one, it would obviously be the catch of Jasprit Bumrah that I took at the end and the celebration afterward was something else. I ran after catching it and hugged Shoaib Malik, and the whole team was right behind us. That was a really special moment, a great highlight of the trophy celebration. Of course, winning the trophy itself was huge, but if you talk about a single moment, that catch was epic.”
“Our fans welcomed us so well when I got to Karachi and the other players landed in Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The welcome was amazing, and people were so supportive. We were really happy, and the love our community showed us was incredible.”
Azhar Ali Said:
“We won the Champions Trophy in 2017, which is super special for all of us and for the nation of Pakistan. But when Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted that trophy, there couldn't have been a better moment for our families and the whole nation. The Oval was packed, and beating India in the final was just unforgettable.”
“First off, our families were there to celebrate with us, and then we did a full round of celebrations. When we play in England, it feels just like playing in Pakistan because the fans come out in huge numbers to support us. So, winning that trophy was really special for them. I hope we get to see something like this again for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy."
Junaid Khan Said:
“Lifting that trophy was obviously something every Pakistani felt, but for me, the moment when I got Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali out against England was really special. We needed those wickets at that time, and considering Jos Buttler had played with us before, I can never forget that moment.”
“When we arrived at the airport, the way everyone welcomed us was amazing. I live in a village, and even when I went back there, it was just like people have celebrated it like a wedding, and for about a week or ten days, that was the routine.”
Wahab Riaz said:
“The thing to remember was the teamwork at that particular time. Under Sarfraz's leadership, everyone was really determined to win the tournament. I believe the way Mohammad Amir bowled and the innings that Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman played in the final, were outstanding.”
