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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, with the 🧸final deadline for any changes set for February 11. Post that date, alterations will only be permitted on medical grounds, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technica🅷l Committee.
Squad selection and key changes: Saim Ayub finds no place
Pakistan have made four key changes from the squad that played their last ODI series in South Africa, replacing Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim with Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel. The return of Fakhar, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2017 final victory, brings much-needed firepower to the top order. Saud Shakeel, who has been a consistent performer in Pakistan’s middle order, also earns his place, providing stability and experience. The decision to exclude young opener Ayub was largely dictated by injury concerns, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained during Pakistan’s New Year’s Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Mohammad Rizwan, leading Pakistan in his first ICC tournament as ODI captain, is a reliable batter and wicketkeeper known for his resilience under pressure. Babar Azam, the former captain, remains the backbone of the batting lineup with his elegant stroke play and consistency. Shaheen Afridi leads the pace attack with his lethal swing and wicket-taking ability, crucial in powerplay✃s. This combination of experience and emerging talent makes Pakistan a strong contender for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Tournament structure and hybrid hosting model
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, marking the return of the prestigious 50-over event after a hiatus of eight years. This edition will follow a unique hybrid hosting model, with Pakistan serving as the primary host nation. However, due to ongoing political tensions between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian cricket team will play its matches in the UAE instead of Pakistan. The tournament will feature eight teams, with all other participating nations scheduled to play their matches in Pakistan. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits this event, discussions continue around the impa༺ct of split venues and whether this setup will influence the quality and fairness of competition.
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Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and ODI tri-series
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Al🐽i Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Har♔is Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan’s legacy and the importance of ninth edition
For Pakistan, the ninth edition of the tournament carries immense significance. The Men in Green enter the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2017 with a historic victory over India in the final at The Oval. That triumph, powered by Fakhar’s memorable century and a dominant bowling display by Mohammad Amir, remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketing achievements.
Now, eight years later, Pakistan not only has the opportunity to defend their title but also to do so on home soil, making this campaign even more meaningful. This will also be Pakistan’s first ICC event since Rizwan took over as the white-ball captain, a transition that followed Babar’s decision to step down after the 2023 ODI World Cup. Rizwan’s leadership will be closely scrutinized as he attempts to guide Pakistan to yet another global triumph. With the team boasting a mix of experienced stalwarts and rising talents, expectations are high for them to capitalize on their home advantage and make a deep run in the tournament.
