ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025 across Pakistan and UAE. With preparations in full swing, defending champions Pakistan are reportedly finalizing a balanced 15-member squad to defend their title.
The Men in Green are said to be preparing their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a well-rounded combination of seven batsmen, four fast bowlers, three spinners and one wicketkeeper.
Pakistan finalizes strong squad to defend ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title
Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan will be the sole wicket-keeper in their Champions Trophy squad alongside Usman Khan, who was a stand-in during the South Africa ODI serieswho will miss the final squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament.
Also Read: Watch – Nuwan Suchhara caught in the act of Shahid Afridi-style ball-tampering
Their pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf expected names, while Mohammad Hasnain is a strong contender as the fourth player for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from the eight nations. Pakistan’s spin department is likely to feature Shadaba Khan, Abrar Ahmedand Sufiyan Maqeem.
Shadab Khan, who is currently in Category C of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Central Contract for 2024-25, has made an inspiring comeback through domestic cricket, amassing 120 runs and taking five wickets in the Champions One Day Cup, making him one of of the strongest candidates for the position.
Fakhar Zaman is all set to return for the 2025 Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman is also likely to return to the ODI line-up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 34-year-old, who has played 82 one-day internationals for Pakistan, played a key role in Pakistan’s 2017 title win.
However, Fakhar Zaman has to meet the fitness requirements set by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as part of his central contract to be named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming multinational event at home and in the UAE, where only India’s matches will be played.
Notably, Fakhar Zaman was overlooked during Pakistan’s tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, but recently impressed with his performance in the Champions T20 tournament. He scored 303 runs in 10 matches at an average of 30.30, including two half-centuries.
Tribune Express reported that Fakhar Zaman, along with Shadab Khan and Imam-ul-Haq, are very likely to be included in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to begin with a home game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
Pakistan hosts ICC tournament for the first time since 1996
Notably, the ICC Champions Trophy returns after an eight-year hiatus, with the exciting 15-match tournament returning to the cricket calendar in 2025 after 2017. Defending champions Pakistan will host the global ICC event for the first time since 1996. The UAE will be the neutral venue for India.
The upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy will be a 19-day competition featuring eight teams teams will fight for the prestigious trophy in white jackets. The teams are divided into two groups: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan are in Group A, while Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa are in Group B.
