The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) on Friday, announced the squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The tournament, featuring eight top international teams, will be played across multiple venues, including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
1. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
2. Babar Azam
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Tayyab Tahir
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Khushdil Shah
9. Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
10. Usman Khan
11. Abrar Ahmed
12. Haris Rauf
13. Mohammad Hasnain
14. Naseem Shah
15. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Changes from Previous Squad
The PCB has made four changes to the squad that last played in an ODI series against South Africa. The following players have been dropped:
* Abdullah Shafique
* Muhammad Irfan Khan
* Saim Ayub
* Sufyan Moqim
Their replacements in the squad include:
* Faheem Ashraf
* Fakhar Zaman
* Khushdil Shah
* Saud Shakeel
Preparation for the Tournament
Before the Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistani team will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series featuring New Zealand and South Africa, which will take place in Lahore and Karachi. This series will serve as an essential preparatory phase, allowing the team to fine-tune its combination and strategies ahead of the tournament.
Tournament Overview
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature 15 matches, bringing together the best cricketing nations in an action-packed competition. Pakistan will be looking to replicate their success from the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they lifted the title under Sarfraz Ahmed’s captaincy.
Key Players to Watch
- Mohammad Rizwan: Leading the side as captain, Rizwan’s experience and consistency will be crucial.
- Babar Azam: A world-class batsman, expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan’s pace spearhead, capable of dismantling any batting attack.
- Haris Rauf & Naseem Shah: A deadly fast-bowling duo, essential for Pakistan’s success.
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 features a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The team will be aiming to make a strong impact on home soil and claim another international title. With preparations underway, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s performance in the prestigious tournament.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:
19 Feb: Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
20 Feb: Bangladesh v India, Dubai
21 Feb: Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
22 Feb: Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
23 Feb: Pakistan v India, Dubai
24 Feb: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
25 Feb: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
26 Feb: Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
27 Feb: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
28 Feb: Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
1 Mar: South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
2 Mar: New Zealand v India, Dubai
4 Mar: Semi-final 1, Dubai
5 Mar: Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
9 Mar: Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, else it will be played in Dubai)
10 Mar: Reserve day
Stay tuned to Markhor Times for the latest updates on Pakistan cricket and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
Walii Bukhari[/caption]
