Pakistan has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, ready to defend their title. Notable exclusions include Saim Ayub due to injury. The team features a blend of experienced players like Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, alongside promising talent like Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan’s first match is against New Zealand on February 19.
Pakistan has officially announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to commence on February 19. The squad, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, showcases a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. This team is responsible for defending the title they secured in 2017, and preparations are underway as Pakistan hosts the competing nations.
Notably, Saim Ayub, prominent in past ODI victories for Pakistan, is excluded from the Champions Trophy lineup due to an ankle injury sustained in South Africa. Despite his outstanding recent form, the national selection committee, represented by Asad Shafiq, prioritized his long-term fitness over immediate participation.
Fakhar Zaman, a key figure from the 2017 Champions Trophy, is making a comeback into ODIs for the tournament, creating a debate over his opening partner. With Abdullah Shafique absent from the squad, either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel are likely to fill the role, depending on match strategies and playing conditions.
The spin department will be spearheaded by Abrar Ahmed, who has shown promise since his ODI debut last year. The selectors believe his domestic performance indicates he can thrive in pressure situations, making him a crucial addition to the squad.
For fast bowling, Pakistan has chosen a quartet including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain. Both Afridi and Rauf have recently displayed outstanding form, contributing significantly to recent series victories, showcasing the team’s depth in pace bowling.
Pakistan will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi, followed by a high-stakes match against India on February 23. With a well-balanced team and strategic player selection, expectations are high for the hosts.
Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
– February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
– February 23: Pakistan vs India, Dubai
– February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
Pakistan Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is a prestigious one-day international cricket tournament that features top cricketing nations competing for the title. Pakistan’s hosting of the event in 2025 presents an opportunity for them to showcase their cricketing talent and redeem their successful history in the tournament. This edition focuses on a well-rounded squad designed to handle both the pressures of hosting and the competition from formidable national teams. The selection process is critical, especially in balancing experienced players with promising newcomers. Injuries can dramatically alter a team’s dynamics, impacting strategies as teams approach matches against strong rivals like India and New Zealand. Understanding the selection committee’s viewpoints provides insight into the team’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainable player health.
Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 reflects a strategy of balancing experience and youth, focusing on long-term player health while aiming for immediate success. Key absences, like Saim Ayub, illustrate the challenges faced, yet the inclusion of seasoned players and emerging talents creates an intriguing dynamic. With strong performances anticipated from both batting and bowling departments, Pakistan’s campaign will be closely watched as they seek to defend their title on home soil.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com