The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed its 15-member squad for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan. The selection features four notable changes from the squad that played in the last ODI series against South Africa in 2023. Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufiyan Muqeem have been replaced by experienced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, explosive opener Fakhar Zaman, versatile middle-order batter Khushdil Shah, and the technically sound Saud Shakeel.
The squad boasts a strong batting lineup, including the prolific Babar Azam, the hard-hitting Fakhar Zaman, and emerging talents like Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, and Tayyab Tahir. The all-rounder department is bolstered by Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, providing depth in both batting and bowling.
Behind the stumps, Pakistan will rely on the leadership of captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has been in stellar form, and the promising Usman Khan as the backup wicketkeeper-batter.
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The bowling attack is a blend of spin and pace, with mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed leading the spin department. The pace battery includes the fiery Haris Rauf, the young and talented Mohammad Hasnain, the ever-reliable Naseem Shah, and the left-arm sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is expected to spearhead the attack.
The PCB has until February 11 to make any further changes to the squad. After this deadline, any modifications will require approval from the ICC technical committee, and only on medical grounds.
Preparation for the Champions Trophy
In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan will participate in a tri-nation ODI series featuring New Zealand and South Africa. The series will be held in Karachi and Lahore, providing the team with valuable match practice and an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the global tournament.
Champions Trophy Opener
Pakistan will kick off their ICC Champions Trophy campaign on February 19, 2025, with a high-voltage clash against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match is expected to draw massive crowds and set the tone for Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.
Squad Overview
- Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir
- All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
- Wicketkeeper-batters: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Usman Khan
- Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed (Spinner), Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi (Fast Bowlers)
