The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The same squad will also compete in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi as part of their preparations.
The PCB has until February 11 to make any changes to the squad, after which replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds with approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.
Squad Changes and Composition
Four changes have been made from the squad that last played an ODI series in South Africa:
Included: Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel
Excluded: Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim
Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed captain, with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain. The squad includes three members from Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team—Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman.
Pakistan’s 15-Player Squad
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
Fakhar Zaman Returns, Saud Shakeel Earns a Spot
Opener Fakhar Zaman makes his return to international cricket after overcoming an injury that sidelined him since June 2024. He demonstrated his form in the Champions T20 Cup 2024, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at a strike rate exceeding 132. With 3,492 runs in 82 ODIs at an average of 46.5, his experience adds depth to the batting lineup.
Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has been rewarded for his consistent performances in home Tests, scoring 577 runs in 13 innings this season, including two centuries. His inclusion strengthens Pakistan’s middle order.
Selection Strategy and Rationale
Asad Shafiq, National Selection Committee Member, highlighted a strategic selection process focused on domestic performers suited to home conditions.
“We have adopted a ‘horses for courses’ approach, selecting players who have excelled in domestic cricket and are well-versed in local conditions. The squad has the right balance of youth and experience, offering the captain a variety of options.”
“Fakhar Zaman’s return bolsters the top order, while Saud Shakeel adds stability in the middle. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin attack, supported by Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha. Faheem Ashraf’s experience provides an additional fast-bowling all-rounder option.”
With the tri-nation ODI series serving as a crucial preparation phase, Pakistan will look to fine-tune its strategy before defending its Champions Trophy title on home soil.
Upcoming 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)
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