The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a preliminary squad of over 20 players to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
According to sources, the squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Key names include captain Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan Niazi. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abbas Afridi, along with spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Muqim, have also been included.
Other prominent players in the squad are Abdullah Shafiq, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Hasibullah. Promising young batter Saim Ayub, whose fitness is still under review, has also been named in the squad.
The final squad will be announced by February 10, 2025, following the completion of the tri-series against South Africa. The National Selection Committee has already finalized a 15-member squad for the series, which closely resembles the Champions Trophy lineup.
However, sources indicate that changes are likely before the final squad submission. Players like Abdullah Shafiq and Usman Khan are reportedly on the verge of being excluded from the final list.
As per ICC regulations, all teams must submit preliminary squads at least one month prior to the tournament. The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 12, 2025, with the final approval of squads expected shortly before the event.
