ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finally announced the 15-member national team poised to compete in the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, taking place on home soil.
Kicking off on February 19 and running through March 9, this prestigious tournament promises to deliver thrilling cricket action.
At the helm of this squad is Mohammad Rizwan, who will captain the team. Fans will be excited to see the return of key players like Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel, and Faheem Ashraf.
Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection committee, indicated that the opening partnership alongside Fakhar Zaman could feature either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, emphasising that players with outstanding records in local conditions have been carefully chosen.
The lineup also boasts talents such as Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, and Tayyab Tahir, alongside Salman Ali Agha and Usman Khan. The bowling attack will include the likes of Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Shafiq expressed empathy for Saim Ayub’s disappointment at missing out on the Champions Trophy but reinforced the importance of thoughtful decision-making in the selection process.
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Pakistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy will commence with a match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The team will participate in a tri-nation ODI series featuring New Zealand and South Africa.
ICC Champions Trophy 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ winners announce squad for the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ event 🏆✨
How will you show your support for the Pakistan team❓#ChampionsTrophy | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/zDYPFuqzBU
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 31, 2025
Pakistan Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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, else it will be played in Dubai)
10 March: Reserve day
*All matches will be day-night encounters
