Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which the country is set to host. The tournament will take place from February 19 to March 9.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed captain, with Salman Ali Agha serving as vice-captain. The squad includes returning players Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel, and Faheem Ashraf.
Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection committee, noted that Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, adding that players with strong performances in home conditions were given preference.
Other squad members include Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Acknowledging the exclusion of Saim Ayub, Shafiq expressed regret, emphasizing that the selection committee did not want to make hasty decisions.
Pakistan will play its opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The same squad will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa.
As per PCB, squad changes can be made until February 11, after which replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds with the approval of the ICC Event Technical Committee.
Four changes have been made to the squad since Pakistan’s last ODI series against South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.
The squad features three players from Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy campaign—Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Additionally, Babar, Fakhar, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel were part of the squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan has played three ODI series, securing series wins against Australia (2-1), Zimbabwe (2-1), and South Africa (3-0).
The Champions Trophy marks the return of an International Cricket Council (ICC) event to Pakistan after 29 years. The tournament, originally planned to be held exclusively in Pakistan, was later adjusted to include a few matches in the UAE.
Pakistan was the last team to announce its squad for the tournament, similar to its approach for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Promising opener Saim Ayub suffered a setback after sustaining a serious injury during a Test match against South Africa, ruling him out of the competition.
Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, who took charge during the Australia series, has led the team effectively. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured a historic 2-1 ODI series victory against Australia on their home soil after 22 years.
Following this, Pakistan registered a dominant 3-0 clean sweep against South Africa, strengthening their position in ODI cricket. The team now aims to defend the Champions Trophy title, which they won in 2017 by defeating India in a memorable final. Fakhar Zaman’s match-winning innings in that game remains one of the highlights of Pakistan’s cricket history.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed full confidence in the squad and the selection committee, asserting that the best possible team has been chosen. During his visit to Gaddafi Stadium alongside PCB COO Sumair Syed, Aqib Javed, and Aleem Dar, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy.
He also announced that Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be inaugurated on February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the chief guest, while Karachi Stadium will be inaugurated on February 11 by President Asif Ali Zardari.
A special Champions Trophy ceremony, organized in collaboration with the ICC, will take place on February 16. Invitations have been extended to all cricket boards, including India, as well as ICC Chairman and other dignitaries.
Naqvi dismissed rumors about a team photoshoot in Dubai, stressing that preparations are progressing smoothly and that the national squad remains united and focused.
Regarding the potential attendance of ICC Chair Jay Shah, he noted that there is no confirmation yet, but all cricket boards have been invited.
He concluded by expressing confidence in the national team’s ability to win the tournament, while also acknowledging the financial challenges faced by PCB. However, he assured that the board remains independent and does not rely on government grants.
