Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel Return to the Squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The squad will also compete in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa in preparation for the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Table
| Role | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Captain | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Vice-Captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Batters | Babar Azam |
| Fakhar Zaman | |
| Kamran Ghulam | |
| Saud Shakeel | |
| Tayyab Tahir | |
| All-rounders | Faheem Ashraf |
| Khushdil Shah | |
| Wicketkeeper-batters | Mohammad Rizwan (Captain) |
| Usman Khan | |
| Spinner | Abrar Ahmed |
| Fast Bowlers | Haris Rauf |
| Mohammad Hasnain | |
| Naseem Shah | |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi |
Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Key Squad Changes and Recalls for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
There are four key changes in the squad that last played an ODI series in South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel. The PCB selectors have continued their “horses for courses” approach, focusing on players who have demonstrated consistent excellence in domestic cricket under conditions similar to those they will face in the Champions Trophy.
Experienced Core and Rising Stars in the Squad
The squad includes three members from the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team: Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Babar Azam, who is leading the squad, and Fakhar Zaman were crucial to Pakistan’s success in the 2017 final, where Fakhar scored a match-winning century. This time, Fakhar Zaman returns to the international fold after recovering from illness and injury that kept him out of cricket since June 2024. He showcased his return to top form during the 2024 Champions T20 Cup, where he scored 303 runs at a remarkable strike rate of over 132.
Fakhar Zaman’s Comeback: A Key Addition to the Top Order
Fakhar Zaman’s inclusion brings significant strength to the top order. In 82 ODI matches, Fakhar has scored 3,492 runs, including 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries, at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 93.4. His return adds depth and experience to Pakistan’s batting line-up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Saud Shakeel and Other Key Players in the Squad
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s Test vice-captain, has earned his spot in the squad following consistent and impressive performances in home Tests. The left-handed batter has scored 577 runs in 13 innings this season, including two centuries and two half-centuries. He will add solid stability and depth to Pakistan’s middle order in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah Bring Versatility
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah make their return to the 50-over squad, offering additional versatility to the team. Faheem Ashraf has been a standout performer in domestic cricket since his last ODI in September 2023. Similarly, Khushdil Shah’s recent performances, including scoring 176 runs in the Champions One-Day Cup and 132 runs along with nine wickets in the Champions T20 Cup, earned him a spot in the squad.
Complete 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes:
- 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
Preparations for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the same squad will compete in the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi. This series will serve as critical preparation for the major tournament in February and March.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 blends experienced players and emerging talents, with a clear emphasis on players who have excelled in domestic competitions. The inclusion of Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel strengthens the team across all departments, providing both depth and versatility. With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, Pakistan is set to compete strongly in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan Announces Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Key Players and Strategic Insights
The selectors have continued their strategic “horses for courses” approach in assembling the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The focus has been on choosing players who have consistently excelled in domestic cricket under similar conditions, ensuring their readiness for the challenges of an international event.
Flexibility and Balance in the Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
One of the standout qualities of the squad is its flexibility—an essential trait in modern-day cricket. The selectors are confident that the team strikes the right balance between youth and experience, with each player chosen to fulfill a clear role. This flexibility provides the captain with a wide range of tactical options during the tournament.
Emerging players like mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and middle-order batters Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir have earned their spots in the squad, reflecting the selectors’ confidence in their ability to transfer domestic success into international impact. These players have demonstrated their temperament and skill to excel in challenging conditions and have a deep understanding of the home environment.
Key Players in the Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Abrar Ahmed, who will lead the spin attack, is supported by reliable slow-bowling options like Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha. Additionally, Faheem Ashraf’s experience as a fast-bowling all-rounder adds depth to the squad.
Fakhar Zaman’s return is a significant boost for Pakistan’s top order. His aggressive approach and match-winning capabilities will be vital for the team’s success. Fakhar, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory, will play a key role in providing a strong foundation at the top of the order.
Saud Shakeel has also been included to strengthen the batting lineup further. His impressive form in Test cricket, particularly in home conditions, and his ability to build partnerships make him a valuable addition. Saud is a thoughtful batter who can anchor innings and provide stability to the middle order.
Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel: Top-Order Flexibility
Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner could either be Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy. Both Babar and Saud are highly capable in the opening role. Babar, with his experience in T20Is, has consistently performed well and was in top form in the Cape Town Test, scoring two half-centuries in the absence of Saim Ayub.
Saim Ayub’s Absence and Recovery Plans
Saim Ayub will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury. Although it is disappointing for the player, who was looking forward to representing Pakistan, the selectors remain optimistic about his recovery. Prioritizing his long-term health, the team is committed to ensuring that he returns to full fitness for future events.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preparation: Tri-Nation ODI Series
In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will compete in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa. This series will serve as an important platform to fine-tune strategies and provide the team with valuable competitive match experience before defending their Champions Trophy title at home.
Upcoming Fixtures for Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- 8 Feb 2025 – vs New Zealand, Lahore (Tri-Nation ODI Series)
- 12 Feb 2025 – vs South Africa, Karachi (Tri-Nation ODI Series)
- 19 Feb 2025 – vs New Zealand, Karachi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
- 23 Feb 2025 – vs India, Dubai (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
- 27 Feb 2025 – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
Player Support Personnel for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
The support staff for the tri-nation ODI series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes:
- Naveed Akram Cheema (Team Manager)
- Hina Munawar (Team Operations Manager)
- Aqib Javed (Interim Head Coach)
- Azhar Mahmood (Assistant Coach)
- Shahid Aslam (Batting Coach)
- Mohammad Masroor (Fielding Coach)
- Abdul Rehman (Spin Bowling Coach)
- Cliffe Deacon (Physiotherapist)
- Drikus Saiman (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
- Talha Butt (Analyst)
- Irtiza Komail (Security Manager)
- Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (Team Doctor)
- Syed Naeem Ahmad (Media and Digital Manager)
- Sergio Basil Mullins (Masseur)
With a well-rounded squad and comprehensive preparations, Pakistan is ready to take on the challenges of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and defend their title on home soil.