As Pakistan is getting ready to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with United Arab Emirates (UAE), excitement and anticipation gripped cricketing circles in the country. The tournament will begin on February 19 and culminate in the final on March 9, offering Pakistan a golden opportunity to regain international glory.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Champions Trophy campaign for Pakistan will come with high stakes New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. After that, the long-awaited clash against the eternal rivals will follow India in Dubai on February 23, before facing off Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. Pakistan will be determined to do better this time after recent early exits from the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024. Hosting the tournament on home soil brings added motivation and the Men in Green will look to use this advantage in their bid to regain the title.
Kamran Akmal predicts Pakistan’s 15-member squad
Former cricketer Kamran Akmal’s move to reveal his 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy on social media platform X has sparked considerable debate among cricket analysts and fans. The selection highlights key items that could shape Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
Among the prominent selections are left-handed openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Fakhar’s experience and aggressive style at the top are crucial to Pakistan’s opening combination. Meanwhile, Ayub’s inclusion has raised questions due to his injury during Pakistan’s recent Test campaign in the South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send Ayub to London for specialized treatment, leaving doubts over his availability for the Champions Trophy. Kamran further involved Iman-Ul-Haq as another rookie in his squad for Pakistan.
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Captain and batting depth
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan he is entrusted with leading the team, a responsibility he carries with maturity and experience. Competition in the front row is fierce, with Zaman, Saim and Imam competing for the top spots. The middle row looks solid with stems Babar Azam and Rizwan anchored at no. 3 and no. 4. Additionally, Kamran Ghulamfresh off a stellar Test debut century and a powerful hitter Irfan Khan Niazi add depth to the batting line-up with an all rounder Salman Ali Aghagiving Pakistan a well-rounded batting unit.
Powerful bowling attack with reliable spin options
Pakistan’s fast attack is led by the firemen Shaheen Afridiwith support Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, which provide pace and aggression. WITH Mohammad Hasnain and versatile Aamer Jamal As a backup option, the pace attack remains versatile and threatening in a variety of conditions. The spin attack is just as powerful with left-handed bowlers Sufiyan Muqeem and a leg-spinner Abrar Ahmedwhich add strategic flexibility to Pakistan’s bowling options.
My 15 people 🇵🇰 squad for #CT2025
1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Saim Ayub
3. Babar Azam
4. M. Rizwan (c)
5. Salman Ali Agha
6. Kamran Ghulam
7. Aamer Jamal
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Haris Rauf
10. Naseem Shah
11. Abrar Ahmad
12. Imam ul Haq
13. Sufiyan Muqeem
14. M. Irfan Khan Niazi
15. M. Husnain
Which one is yours?— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 15, 2025
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