Champions Trophy 2025 Warm-Up Matches: Schedule and Squads

Champions Trophy 2025 Warm-Up Matches: The Final Test Before the Main Event

As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, teams are gearing up for their final test through a series of warm-up matches scheduled between February 14 and 17. These games will provide Afghanistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and New Zealand with crucial match practice before the highly anticipated tournament kicks off on February 19.

Unlike previous ICC tournaments, not all teams will be participating in warm-up matches. Cricketing giants like India, England, Australia, and hosts Pakistan have opted out of these fixtures due to their recent ODI commitments. However, teams like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and New Zealand will take the field in a series of intense encounters that could set the tone for their Champions Trophy campaign.

Schedule of matches:

14 February – Pakistan Shaheens v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

16 February – New Zealand v Afghanistan, National Stadium, Karachi

17 February – Pakistan Shaheens v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

17 February – Pakistan Shaheens v Bangladesh, ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai

*All games will be day-night fixtures

Pakistan Shaheens Set for High-Intensity Matches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named three separate Pakistan Shaheens squads for the warm-up fixtures, ensuring that multiple players get the opportunity to gain valuable game time. These games will serve as a testing ground for emerging talent and provide the coaching staff with insights into form and fitness levels ahead of the main tournament.

On February 14, Shadab Khan will lead the Pakistan Shaheens against Afghanistan at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. The match is expected to be a keenly contested battle, with Afghanistan fielding a strong squad led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, featuring the likes of Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mohammad Nabi.

February 17 will witness two crucial warm-up games featuring the Pakistan Shaheens. In Karachi, Mohammad Hurraira will captain the side against South Africa, while Mohammad Haris will lead the Shaheens against Bangladesh in Dubai. Both matches will be day-night fixtures, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.

Afghanistan to Face New Zealand in a Crucial Clash

Afghanistan, one of the teams expected to cause upsets in the tournament, will also play an additional warm-up match against New Zealand on February 16 at the National Stadium in Karachi. This encounter will be particularly significant as both teams will be looking to finalize their combinations before the official tournament begins.

Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s squad features experienced campaigners like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips. Facing Afghanistan’s potent spin attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan, will be an early challenge for the Kiwis, who will be keen to gain confidence heading into the main event.

Squads for Champions Trophy 2025 Warm-up matches:

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami

Bangladesh squad: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

Shaheens squads:

v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - Shadab Khan (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Kashif Ali, Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir Khan, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Imran Randhawa and Muhammad Irfan Khan

v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi - Mohammad Huraira (captain), Amad Butt, Faisal Akram, Hassan Nawaz, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram, and Saad Khan

v Bangladesh, ICC Academy, Dubai - Mohammad Haris (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Azan Awais, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Moqim and Usama Mir

Team Squads and Players to Watch

With the official squads announced, there will be several key players to keep an eye on during the warm-up matches. Afghanistan’s squad, under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, includes explosive opener Ibrahim Zadran, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, and young spin sensation Noor Ahmad. Their warm-up games will test their adaptability against quality opposition.

Bangladesh, captained by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, will also be looking to fine-tune their team combination. Veterans like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah will provide experience, while fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the bowling attack.

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, has assembled a well-balanced squad featuring powerful hitters like David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen. The Proteas will rely on their pace battery, including Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, to make an impact in their warm-up fixtures.

New Zealand’s squad boasts a mix of youth and experience. With Kane Williamson back in the mix, alongside all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell, the Black Caps will be aiming to iron out any weaknesses before their tournament opener.

Strategic Importance of the Warm-Up Games

These warm-up matches hold immense significance for teams as they provide the final opportunity to assess squad depth, tweak game strategies, and test player combinations in competitive conditions. For teams like Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who often rely on momentum, a strong performance in these practice matches could be a confidence booster heading into the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan Shaheens’ involvement in the warm-ups also allows the Pakistan Cricket Board to evaluate emerging talents who might be called upon if required during the tournament. Players like Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Imam-ul-Haq, and Usama Mir will be keen to leave an impression and push their case for selection in future national squads.

For South Africa and New Zealand, who are already in Pakistan participating in a tri-series, the warm-ups will be a continuation of their rigorous preparations. With conditions in Pakistan favoring spin and reverse swing, teams will be looking to adapt quickly before the tournament begins.

Exciting Match-Ups Await in the Warm-Up Fixtures

The warm-up matches will not just be a formality but a showcase of competitive cricket, as teams will want to make an early statement. Afghanistan’s clash against New Zealand on February 16 will be particularly intriguing, as both teams have strong bowling attacks capable of turning matches in their favor.

Pakistan Shaheens' fixtures against South Africa and Bangladesh on February 17 will provide a preview of what to expect in the main tournament, with players keen to impress before the Champions Trophy officially kicks off.