Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been officially announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the tournament, which is set to begin on February 19, 2025, and run until March 9, 2025. The much-anticipated tournament will be hosted by Pakistan, marking a significant moment in the country’s cricketing history as it is the first ICC event to be held in Pakistan after 29 years.
Key Players and Squad Changes
The squad will be captained by Mohammad Rizwan, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as the vice-captain. Notable players Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel, and Faheem Ashraf are making their return to the national team, with selectors opting for players who have proven themselves in home conditions.
The team also includes key players like Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, and bowlers Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The squad selection was based on recent strong performances, including victories against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa in the ODI format.
Notable Absentees
While Saim Ayub had been expected to feature in the squad, he has unfortunately been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury sustained during the Test series against South Africa. Despite this, the selection committee has full confidence in the team chosen, and Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection panel, highlighted that changes can still be made until February 11, with replacements permitted only on medical grounds thereafter.
Tournament Preparations
Pakistan will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19, facing New Zealand in Karachi. The same squad will also take part in the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa leading up to the Champions Trophy.
The squad has seen four changes from the one that last played against South Africa, with Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim being replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.
Three players from Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy team—Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman—are part of the squad. Additionally, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel also featured in the team during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Recent Successes and Confidence for the Tournament
Pakistan’s recent success in the ODI format has bolstered confidence heading into the Champions Trophy. The team has secured victories in their last three ODI series, including a historic win over Australia (2-1), a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe, and a dominant 3-0 clean sweep over South Africa. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan has shown resilience and momentum, with the captain leading the team to historic triumphs in the last year.
The PCB is confident that Pakistan will put forth a strong challenge to defend their 2017 Champions Trophy title, where they defeated India in a memorable final, with Fakhar Zaman’s match-winning performance standing out as a defining moment of Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Preparations and Inaugurations
In preparation for the tournament, the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed confidence in the team and selection committee, and reassured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament. Naqvi also confirmed that the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be inaugurated on February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the chief guest, while Karachi’s National Stadium will be inaugurated on February 11 by President Asif Ali Zardari.
A special Champions Trophy ceremony is scheduled for February 16, in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Invitations have been extended to all participating cricket boards, including India, as well as ICC chairman and other dignitaries.
Naqvi also dismissed rumors regarding a team photo shoot in Dubai and confirmed that all preparations are progressing smoothly, with full backing and unity from the national squad. While ICC Chair Jay Shah’s participation remains unconfirmed, Naqvi assured that all cricket boards, including India, are expected to attend the tournament.
Final Thoughts
With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy approaching, the Pakistani team is focused and ready to defend their crown. The squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, looks to continue their recent strong performances and secure their second title in the tournament’s history. The PCB is committed to providing world-class facilities and ensuring that the event is a success, as the tournament marks a historic occasion for Pakistan and its cricketing future.
