Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been revealed on 31 January 2025 in Lahore. The team will defend their 2017 title in the tournament, which they are hosting alongside the UAE.
Mohammad Rizwan will captain the side, having taken over after Babar Azam stepped down following the 2023 World Cup. This marks the first 50 over ICC event since then.
Rising star Saim Ayub misses out due to an ankle injury sustained in the Test against South Africa. National selector Asad Shafiq expressed disappointment, “stating they prioritize his long term fitness over a rushed return”.
Top order batter Abdullah Shafique also misses selection making room for Babar Azam in the top order. Veteran Fakhar Zaman returns recalling his match winning century in the 2017 final against India.
Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel also make a comeback adding depth to the squad. Fakhar’s opening partner will be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel depending on match conditions and strategy.
Babar has vast experience opening in T20Is and recently impressed in the Cape Town Test with two half centuries. The same squad will also compete in the tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand before the tournament.
Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has only one spinner with 4 quality fast bowlers.
Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (wicket keeper,batter)(captain), Babar Azam(batter), Fakhar Zaman (batter), Kamran Ghulam (batter), Saud Shakeel (batter), Tayyab Tahir (batter), Faheem Ashraf (All-rounder), Khushdil Shah (All-rounder), Salman Ali Agha (All-rounder)(vice captain), Usman Khan (wicket keeper,batter), Abrar Ahmed (Spinner), Haris Rauf (fast bowler), Mohammad Hasnain (fast bowler), Naseem Shah (fast bowler), Shaheen Shah Afridi (fast bowler).
Read more: Saim Ayub ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025 squad
