Pakistan has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with opener Fakhar Zaman making a return, while young talents Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique missed out. The squad, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will also participate in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand as part of their preparation for the marquee tournament.
Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy winners from 2017, will be hosting the tournament alongside the UAE. This marks the first 50-over ICC tournament for the team since Babar Azam stepped down as captain following the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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A notable exclusion from the squad is Saim Ayub, who was ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during Pakistan’s New Year’s Test in Cape Town. The selection committee, led by Asad Shafiq, emphasized the importance of prioritizing Ayub’s long-term fitness over rushing him back into the squad. “We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially given his exceptional batting form. However, his long-term health is our priority,” Shafiq said, as quoted by the ICC official website.
Top-order batter Abdullah Shafique also failed to make the cut, opening the door for Babar Azam to secure a role at the top of the order. The selection committee hinted at a flexible approach to the opening combination, suggesting that either Babar or Saud Shakeel could partner Fakhar Zaman depending on match conditions and opposition strategy.
Fakhar’s inclusion brings experience and fond memories of his match-winning performance in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, where he smashed 114 off 106 balls to help Pakistan claim a historic 180-run victory. Also making their way back into the squad are all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, middle-order batter Khushdil Shah, and left-handed batsman Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand in Karachi before a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in Dubai. The squad will continue under the guidance of Aaqib Javed, who remains as interim coach following Gary Kirsten’s departure last October. With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, Pakistan aims to make a strong statement as they host the tournament on home soil.
Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- 19 February – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- 23 February – Pakistan vs India, Dubai
- 27 February – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
Pakistan squad: 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.
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