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Pakistan has officially announced its 15-player squad for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March. The squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa as part of their preparation.
Key Highlights of Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
- Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel make their return.
- Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman are the only players from the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad.
- Pakistan will play its first match against New Zealand on 19 February in Karachi.
- The squad selection follows a ‘horses for courses’ strategy, focusing on players who have excelled in domestic conditions.
Squad Selection Strategy
The selection committee, led by Asad Shafiq, emphasized the importance of picking players who have excelled in domestic tournaments. The goal is to create a well-balanced team with experience, flexibility, and match-winning capabilities.
Pakistan’s 15-Player Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
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
Spinner:
- Abrar Ahmed
Fast bowlers:
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Key Inclusions and Comebacks
- Fakhar Zaman: After recovering from injury, Fakhar Zaman is back in the squad. His impressive performance in the Champions T20 Cup 2024, where he scored 303 runs at a strike rate of over 132, secured his place.
- Saud Shakeel: Known for his consistency in home Test matches, Saud Shakeel has been rewarded with a place in the ODI squad. He last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup.
- Faheem Ashraf & Khushdil Shah: Faheem Ashraf’s outstanding domestic performances earned him a recall, while Khushdil Shah secured his spot through his all-around abilities.
Expert Opinions on Pakistan’s Squad
Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee, stated:
“Our approach for this squad was based on selecting players who have excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions. We have ensured a balanced mix of experience and youth.”
He further highlighted the team’s flexibility, emphasizing that the squad has been chosen with defined roles in mind. Additionally, he mentioned that Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on match conditions.
Pakistan’s Schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- 8 February: vs New Zealand, Lahore (Tri-Nation Series)
- 12 February: vs South Africa, Karachi (Tri-Nation Series)
- 19 February: vs New Zealand, Karachi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
- 23 February: vs India, Dubai (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
- 27 February: vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
FAQs about Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
1. Who is the captain of Pakistan’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Mohammad Rizwan has been named the captain of the squad, with Salman Ali Agha as the vice-captain.
2. Why was Fakhar Zaman recalled?
Fakhar Zaman made a strong comeback after recovering from injury, showcasing excellent form in the Champions T20 Cup 2024.
3. Which players from the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team are in the squad?
Only Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman from the 2017 squad are part of this year’s team.
4. Who is leading the spin attack?
Abrar Ahmed will be Pakistan’s frontline spinner, supported by Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah.
5. Why is Saim Ayub not included in the squad?
Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury, which ruled him out of the tournament.
6. How many changes were made from Pakistan’s last ODI squad?
Four changes were made: Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim were replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.
7. What is the strategy behind squad selection?
The selectors focused on picking players with proven performances in domestic conditions and emphasized flexibility within the team.
8. Who are Pakistan’s fast bowlers for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan’s pace attack includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.
9. Will Pakistan play warm-up matches before the tournament?
Yes, Pakistan will compete in a tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
10. When is Pakistan’s first match in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan’s first match is scheduled for 19 February 2025 against New Zealand in Karachi.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a well-balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents. With a strong batting lineup, a versatile all-round department, and a lethal pace attack, the team is set to be a strong contender. The tri-nation ODI series will be crucial in refining strategies before heading into the tournament. Cricket fans eagerly await the action as Pakistan aims to defend the Champions Trophy title on home soil.
