Pakistan Squad For Champion Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 15-member squad for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The squad, led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, reflects a strategic mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, aiming to defend the title Pakistan last won in 2017. The same squad will also feature in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, serving as a crucial build-up to the global event.
Key Changes and Comebacks
The squad sees the return of four players—Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel—replacing Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim. Fakhar Zaman, a hero of the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, makes a comeback after recovering from injury and illness. His recent performances in the Champions T20 Cup 2024, where he scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 132, have reignited hopes of his explosive batting at the top of the order.
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s Test vice-captain, earns his spot following consistent performances in home Test matches. With 577 runs in 13 Test innings this season, including two centuries, Shakeel brings stability and intelligence to the middle order. His inclusion adds depth to Pakistan’s batting lineup, which already boasts the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah have been recalled to bolster the team’s versatility. Faheem, known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. Khushdil, on the other hand, impressed selectors with his all-round show in the Champions One-Day Cup and T20 Cup, scoring 176 runs and taking nine wickets.
The core of Squad
The squad retains its core strength with Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, all of whom were part of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Babar Azam, one of the world’s premier batters, will be crucial at the top of the order, potentially partnering with Fakhar Zaman or Saud Shakeel, depending on match conditions and strategy.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain. The spin department will be led by the mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, whose ability to bamboozle batters with his variations makes him a key asset. Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha provide additional slow-bowling options, ensuring the team has a well-rounded attack.
Flexibility and Balance
National selector Asad Shafiq emphasized the squad’s flexibility, a critical trait in modern-day cricket. “We have selected players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions,” Shafiq stated. “The squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, with each player chosen for a specific role.”
The inclusion of emerging talents like Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir reflects the selectors’ confidence in their ability to deliver on the big stage. Both players have shown promise in domestic cricket, and their inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup.
Preparations and Expectations
The tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa will serve as a vital preparation ground for the Champions Trophy. The series, to be played in Lahore and Karachi, will allow the team to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the global event.
Pakistan’s recent ODI form has been impressive, with series wins against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and oppositions will be crucial as they aim to defend their title on home soil.
Player Support Personnel
The support staff for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy includes interim head coach Aqib Javed, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and batting coach Shahid Aslam. The team’s preparation will also be guided by spin bowling coach Abdul Rehman and fielding coach Mohammad Masroor.
Final Pakistan Squad For Champions trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (c), 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.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a well-balanced unit, combining experience, youth, and versatility. With the return of key players like Fakhar Zaman and the inclusion of emerging talents, the team looks poised to make a strong impact in the tournament.
The tri-nation series will be a litmus test for the squad, providing valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. As the defending champions, Pakistan will carry the hopes of millions of fans, aiming to replicate their 2017 success and cement their status as one of the world’s top cricketing nations.
With a blend of aggressive batting, lethal pace, and cunning spin, Pakistan’s squad is ready to take on the best in the world. The stage is set, and the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has begun!
