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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has expressed concerns over Pakistan’s squad, particularly the absence of young star Saim Ayub. Ponting believes that his absence will leave a “massive gap” in Pakistan’s batting lineup, which could impact their performance in the tournament.
Saim Ayub’s Absence – A Major Blow for Pakistan
Saim Ayub, a promising young batter, has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an injury sustained in England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that he will be out for at least 10 weeks, making participation impossible for the upcoming tournament.
While speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting acknowledged Ayub’s talent and stated that replacing him would not be easy.
“Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill,” Ponting said.
Ayub made his ODI debut in 2024 against Australia and has played nine matches, scoring 515 runs at an impressive strike rate of 105.53. With three centuries and a half-century in his short career, he was expected to be a key player for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s Strength – A Powerful Bowling Attack
Despite concerns over Ayub’s absence, Ponting remains optimistic about Pakistan’s chances, citing their formidable bowling attack.
“Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up,” he added.
The duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah has been in excellent form, delivering outstanding performances in recent ODI series. Alongside other pacers like Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain, Pakistan’s bowling attack remains one of the strongest in world cricket.
Babar Azam and Rizwan’s Role in Pakistan’s Success
Ponting also emphasized the importance of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in stabilizing Pakistan’s batting order.
“Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous,” he said.
With Rizwan now leading the side after Babar Azam stepped down after the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the team will be looking for stability and leadership from the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman.
Ravi Shastri Weighs In on Pakistan’s Prospects
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri also commented on Pakistan’s performance potential in the Champions Trophy. He believes that Pakistan’s home advantage could play a significant role in their success.
“There’s always pressure when you play at home, especially in the sub-continent, but Pakistan have the depth to be dangerous in their own conditions,” Shastri said.
He also mentioned that despite Saim Ayub’s absence, Pakistan has enough quality players to make it to the semi-finals, where anything can happen.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule – Key Matches for Pakistan
Pakistan will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 19 against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Their highly anticipated clash against India will take place in Dubai on February 23. Their final group-stage match will be against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Players: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Can Pakistan Win the Champions Trophy Again?
Pakistan last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, famously defeating India in the final at The Oval, London. Now, as hosts of the 2025 edition, they have a golden opportunity to reclaim the title.
Ponting and Shastri agree that if Pakistan’s key players step up, they can be a serious contender for the trophy. However, they must overcome challenges such as the absence of Ayub and the pressure of playing at home.
FAQs
1. Why is Saim Ayub missing the Champions Trophy 2025?
Saim Ayub is recovering from an injury sustained in England and will be out for 10 weeks, making him unavailable for the tournament.
2. Who will replace Saim Ayub in the Pakistan squad?
The PCB has not officially announced a replacement yet, but potential options include players like Kamran Ghulam or Tayyab Tahir.
3. When is the Pakistan vs India match in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan will face India on February 23, 2025, in Dubai.
4. Who is the captain of Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025?
Mohammad Rizwan is leading the team after Babar Azam stepped down in 2023.
5. Where will the Champions Trophy 2025 be played?
The tournament will be hosted in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
6. Can Pakistan win the Champions Trophy again?
Yes, Pakistan has a strong squad, especially in the bowling department. If their key players perform well, they have a good chance of winning.
7. What is Pakistan’s schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025?
- February 19 – vs. New Zealand (Karachi)
- February 23 – vs. India (Dubai)
- February 27 – vs. Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
8. Who are Pakistan’s key players in this tournament?
Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to play crucial roles.
9. How strong is Pakistan’s bowling attack?
Pakistan has one of the best bowling attacks, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.
10. Has Pakistan ever hosted a major ICC event before?
Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka, but this will be their first time hosting an ICC event independently.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has a mix of experienced and young players. While Saim Ayub’s absence is a setback, the team has the potential to go deep in the tournament, especially with home conditions favoring them. With a strong bowling lineup and key batters like Babar Azam and Rizwan, Pakistan remains a formidable force in the competition.
As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on the Men in Green to see if they can overcome challenges and reclaim the Champions Trophy title.
