Pakistan has fielded its provisional squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Suspended opener Fakhar Zaman and injured opener Saim Ayub have been included in the squad which will be led by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Fakhar Zaman was dropped from the Pakistan team following disciplinary disputes in which he spoke out against the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decisions regarding Babar Azam. The committee further noted that Zaman must prove his mettle in order to be re-elected.
On the other hand, Saim Ayub has been one of the best players in Pakistan for the past few months. The left-handed opener has collected runs across formats and has emerged as the future of Pakistan cricket. However, he got injured during the Test series against South Africa which raised questions about his availability for the Champions Trophy.
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Pakistan announces provisional squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
According to Pakistan’s local news channel Samaa TV, the PCB has submitted its list of provisional players to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The squad contains more than 15 players and will be reduced before the final submission date.
Fakhta told me that Pakistan had sent an initial squad of more than 20 players for the ICC Champions Trophy. The selection committee submitted the preliminary squad to the ICC two days ago.
The starting line-up includes captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan…— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 12, 2025
The team is a good mix of youth and experience. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team after an impressive start to his captaincy tenure. Babar Azam is still in the squad and will be important to his team’s chances.
Saim Ayub’s inclusion in the final squad depends on his fitness. The chances of him making the team are pretty slim considering the severity of his injury. After the injury, the PCB immediately sent him to the UK for further treatment.
With Ayub injured, the chances of making the final squad increase for Imam-ul-Haq, who was once an integral part of the ODI squad. Abdullah Shafique has found a place in the squad but is unlikely to be in the final squad along with Usman Khan.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, who has been one of the team’s best performers across formats over the past few months, is a key part of the middle order and will be key to Pakistan’s prospects in the tournament. Haseebullah Khan finds a place in the team as the second wicket keeper behind captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Powerful bowling attack
🚨 PCB delivers the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy (Samaa TV)
Rizwan (C), Babar, Fakhar, Imam, Saim, Agha, Tayyab, Irfan, Sufiyan, Abrar, Shaheen, Rauf, Abbas, Naseem, Abdullah, Usman Khan and Haseebullah.
Saim Ayub’s inclusion depends on his fitness
Abdullah and Usman… pic.twitter.com/aQqqhCaI4e
— junaiz (@dhillow_) January 12, 2025
The fast bowling looks in good shape with Shaheen Afridi at the helm. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain and Abbas Afridi are the other players in the team.
Young left-arm bowling sensation Sufiyan Muqeem is also finding his place and might even be in the playing XI for the first match. Leg spinner Abrar Ahmed is the second spinner in the team. Both are likely to be part of the final lineup as well.
Pakistan’s final squad for the Champions Trophy is likely to be announced on February 10, which will be just nine days before the tournament. The men in green are the defending champions and will be looking to defend their title on home soil.
Pakistan Provisional Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (C) (wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah and Abbas Afridi
