"India has the strength as well as the psychological advantage based on its recent performances against us," wrote Shahid Afridi, in a recently published column on the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.

He went on to add; "But I feel that Pakistan has a formidable bowling line-up that can challenge the Indian batting, especially in the English conditions."

ICC's exclusive columnist, Afridi, wrote about his fond memories playing against India through the years. He spoke about his friendly relations with Indian players and regretted that the current political scenario had distanced the two teams.

Explore: Champions Trophy: Pride and prejudice as India, Pakistan clash

"Unfortunately, we don’t meet each other that often now due to the prevailing relations between the two countries. But I miss the good times with my Indian cricket friends and I am sure they feel likewise. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon so that the old friends can reunite to relive old memories," he wrote.

On the upcoming match in Edgbaston, he said; "India is a batting powerhouse brimming with talent, which is well supported by an aggressive and attacking bowling line-up."

Confirming his support for the green shirts, he concluded saying; "The match is being played on a neutral venue, which might actually calm the nerves of the players a tad. All in all I really hope that we see a positive game, and yes, for now I am firmly donning my Pakistani hat and wishing for a result in favour of my team."

Pakistan and India are set to contest a high-stakes Champions Trophy game on June 4. The cricket-mad neighbouring countries rarely square off and hundreds of millions of fans are expected to tune in and watch the teams fight for national pride at Edgbaston in Birmingham.