Pakistan Announce Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and Tri-Nation Series
By Web Desk | January 31, 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will kick off on February 19, 2025.
Key Squad Changes
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy includes four changes to the 15-member contingent that featured in the South Africa ODI series. Notably, Saim Ayub will be missing from the squad due to injury, while Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Sufiyan Muqeem have all been dropped due to their recent form. These players are replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will lead the squad, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha serving as vice-captain.
Experience and Youth in the Squad
The squad also features three key players from Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning side: Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. This blend of youth and experience gives the team a balanced edge heading into the tournament.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the pace attack, joined by Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the squad, but all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah will also provide spin options.
Tri-Nation Series: A Key Build-Up to Champions Trophy
The same squad will compete in the tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa, which will serve as a preparation for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. This series will be crucial for Pakistan as they aim to defend their title in the upcoming mega event.
The tri-nation series will start on February 8, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. New Zealand and South Africa will arrive in Lahore on February 5 and February 7, respectively. The series will follow a single-league format, with the final scheduled for February 14 in Karachi.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run from February 19 to March 9, with 15 exciting matches to be played across three venues in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) and in Dubai. Here’s the full schedule:
- 19 February: Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
- 20 February: Bangladesh v India, Dubai
- 21 February: Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
- 22 February: Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
- 23 February: Pakistan v India, Dubai
- 24 February: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- 25 February: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- 26 February: Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
- 27 February: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- 28 February: Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
- 1 March: South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
- 2 March: New Zealand v India, Dubai
- 4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- 5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
- 9 March: Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai)
- 10 March: Reserve day
Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and Tri-Nation Series
Here’s the complete squad for Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign and the tri-nation series:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha (vc)
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan’s squad is all set for a challenging yet exciting journey as they aim to defend their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy title. Stay tuned for live updates and coverage at mobicric.org.