Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 officially announced - Big Returns and Bold Choices

Pakistan Unveils 15-Member Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. With the squad finalization deadline set for February 11, the PCB still has a window for changes before any modifications will require ICC approval on medical grounds.

The same squad will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, which will serve as a crucial preparatory phase before the global tournament.

Pakistan’s squad features four major changes from their last ODI series against South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Sufiyan Muqeem have been left out, making way for Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah.

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

Veterans Return as Pakistan Aims to Reclaim Glory

Pakistan’s squad includes three members from their victorious 2017 ICC Champions Trophy squad Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Faheem Ashraf. These players bring invaluable experience, having previously thrived in high-pressure ICC tournaments.

Fakhar Zaman’s return is a significant boost for Pakistan. The aggressive opener, who famously smashed a century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, has regained full fitness after struggling with injury and illness. His performance in the Champions T20 Cup 2024 where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at a strike rate of 132+ earned him a well-deserved recall.

Another exciting return is Saud Shakeel, who has been rewarded for his stellar performances in Test cricket. Though he last played an ODI in the 2023 World Cup, he has dominated home Test series against England, Bangladesh, and the West Indies. His ability to adapt and construct innings makes him a crucial addition.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah also make their way back into the side. Faheem has been one of the most consistent domestic performers in recent years, while Khushdil has been impressive in both List A and T20 formats, making him a valuable all-round option.

Strategic Selections and Key Talking Points

National selector Asad Shafiq emphasized that the selection strategy revolved around a “horses for courses” approach. The squad features players who have excelled in domestic competitions under conditions similar to those expected during the Champions Trophy.

Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel as Fakhar’s Opening Partner?

A key decision will be Pakistan’s opening combination. While Fakhar Zaman is the first-choice opener, the selectors are debating between Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel as his partner, depending on opposition, pitch conditions, and team strategy.

"Asad Shafiq stated, ‘Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy.’

Saim Ayub Misses Out Due to Injury

Promising young opener Saim Ayub was not included due to an ankle injury that he sustained in South Africa. Although he was expected to be a key figure in Pakistan’s top order, selectors opted to prioritize his long-term fitness instead of risking his early return.

Pakistan’s Bowling Attack: A Lethal Mix of Pace and Spin

Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack remains their strongest asset, with a formidable quartet of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain. Shaheen, Naseem, and Rauf were part of the 2023 World Cup squad and bring a mix of raw pace, swing, and death-over expertise.

In the spin department, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will lead the charge, supported by Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha as additional spin options.

Upcoming Matches: Pakistan’s Road to Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan will kickstart their Champions Trophy preparations with a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa. These matches will help the team fine-tune combinations and assess player form before the main event.

Pakistan’s Upcoming ODI Fixtures:

• February 8 – vs New Zealand, Lahore (Tri-nation ODI series)
• February 12 – vs South Africa, Karachi (Tri-nation ODI series)
• February 19 – vs New Zealand, Karachi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
• February 23 – vs India, Dubai (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
• February 27 – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)

A Balanced Squad with High Expectations

Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 presents a strong mix of experience, adaptability, and firepower. With the batting lineup anchored by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman, complemented by a lethal bowling attack, the team appears well-equipped to challenge for the title on home soil.

While the return of Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel adds depth, Saim Ayub’s absence is a setback. However, the tri-nation series will provide the team with the final opportunity to refine its strategy before the prestigious tournament kicks off.