Pakistan Announces 15-Player Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The PCB has the flexibility to make changes to the squad until February 11, after which replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds with the ICC Event Technical Committee’s approval.
This squad will also compete in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, which will be held in Lahore and Karachi as a preparatory event ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Squad Changes and Key Inclusions
The squad sees four changes from the team that played Pakistan’s last ODI series in South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim have made way for Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.
Led by Mohammad Rizwan (captain) with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, the squad features three members from Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy campaign: Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Additionally, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel were part of Pakistan’s squad for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan has played three bilateral ODI series, securing victories over Australia (2-1), Zimbabwe (2-1), and South Africa (3-0).
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
Key Selections and Performances
Fakhar Zaman returns to the squad after overcoming injury and illness that sidelined him since June 2024. He showcased his form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024, where he finished as the third-highest run-scorer (303 runs, strike rate 132+). Fakhar has an impressive ODI record with 3,492 runs in 82 matches, including 11 centuries and 16 fifties at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 93.4.
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s Test vice-captain, earns a spot following a prolific run in home Test matches, where he amassed 577 runs in 13 innings, including two centuries and two half-centuries.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah have also been recalled, providing depth to the squad. Faheem has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, while Khushdil impressed in the Champions One-Day Cup (176 runs) and the Champions T20 Cup (132 runs, 9 wickets).
Selection Committee’s Perspective
Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee, emphasized that the squad was selected with a “horses for courses” approach, focusing on players who have excelled in domestic conditions similar to those expected during the tournament.
Key points from his remarks include:
- Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin attack, supported by Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha.
- Faheem Ashraf adds an experienced fast-bowling all-rounder option.
- Fakhar Zaman’s return is a major boost to the batting lineup.
- Saud Shakeel’s inclusion brings stability, given his excellent recent Test form.
Additionally, Pakistan is keeping an eye on Saim Ayub’s recovery from an ankle injury, acknowledging his disappointment at missing the tournament.
Upcoming Fixtures
Before the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan will participate in a tri-nation ODI series featuring New Zealand and South Africa.
Tri-Nation ODI Series
- February 8 – vs New Zealand (Lahore)
- February 12 – vs South Africa (Karachi)
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- February 19 – vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- February 23 – vs India (Dubai)
- February 27 – vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
The squad will assemble in Lahore on February 3 to begin preparations.
Coaching & Support Staff
The team will be led by an experienced coaching and management unit, featuring:
- Team Manager: Naveed Akram Cheema
- Team Operations Manager: Hina Munawar
- Interim Head Coach: Aqib Javed
- Assistant Coach: Azhar Mahmood
- Batting Coach: Shahid Aslam
- Fielding Coach: Mohammad Masroor
- Spin Bowling Coach: Abdul Rehman
- Physiotherapist: Cliffe Deacon
- Strength & Conditioning Coach: Drikus Saiman
- Analyst: Talha Butt
- Security Manager: Irtiza Komail
- Team Doctor: Dr Wajid Ali Rafai
- Media & Digital Manager: Syed Naeem Ahmad
- Masseur: Sergio Basil Mullins
With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, Pakistan aims to defend their Champions Trophy title on home soil, with preparations set to begin in full swing.
