Final date for appointment of provisional squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is January 12, and teams are racing against time to finalize their lineups. The tournament, which begins on February 19, will be hosted in a hybrid model, with Pakistan as the primary host and India’s matches being played in the UAE due to political tensions between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This unique arrangement added intrigue to what promises to be a competitive tournament.
Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy
The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is of utmost importance for Pakistan. They will enter the tournament as the defending champions, having won the 2017 title in England, beating India in the final. With his new white ball captain, Mohammad Rizwanleading the side, Pakistan have shown impressive form, recently painted both Australia and South Africa in the ODI series. However, injury concerns to some key players could affect their domestic campaign. Pakistan will look to take advantage of the flat batting lanes at home, but their success depends on fielding a fit and balanced team.
This is Pakistan’s predicted squad for Champions Trophy 2025
1. Saim Ayub (the best dough)
One of Pakistan’s standout players in recent months, Saim Ayuban uncertain path to the Champions Trophy awaits. The young left-hander, who has taken the cricketing world by storm with his phenomenal form in ODIs, suffered a fractured ankle during the second Test against South Africa. This injury ruled him out for at least six weeks, casting doubt on his participation.
Ayub’s ODI performances
- Matches played: 9
- Centuries: 3
- Fifties: 1
- Recent contributions: Saim was instrumental in Pakistan’s series win against South Africa, scoring 235 runs in the last three ODIs.
If Saim remains unfit, Pakistan could lose a key player who has proved his mettle on flat tracks. Even if he regains fitness just before the tournament, his lack of match practice could limit his effectiveness. In his absence, Imam-ul-Haq or Fakhar Zaman he is expected to step in as an opener Abdullah Shafique.
2. Abdullah Shafique (Top-Order Batter)
Shafique is known for his composed batting technique and ability to anchor the innings. With solid performances in Test and ODI cricket, he is a reliable option at the top of the order. Its adaptability to different conditions will be key on flat and spin-friendly tracks. Shafique’s role will be crucial in ensuring Pakistan get off to a steady start in the Champions Trophy.
3. Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicket keeper)
Mohammad Rizwan’s consistency and leadership make him a key figure for Pakistan. As the new white ball captain, Rizwan excelled in leading the team and maintaining his form with the bat. His wicket keeping skills add an edge, making him a complete package. Rizwan’s ability to stabilize the innings under pressure will be invaluable in high-stakes matches.
4. Babar Azam (Top-Order Batter)
Babar Azam, one of the world’s best batsmen, will carry the weight of Pakistan’s batting hopes. His excellent strokeplay and consistency make him the backbone of the batting line-up. Babar is thriving in ODI cricket and his performances in ICC events have always been noteworthy. His experience and calm demeanor will be crucial in dealing with difficult situations.
5. Irfan Khan (Top-Order Batter)
Irfan Khan, a promising talent, adds depth to Pakistan’s top order. With a strong domestic record, he has shown the ability to play long innings and handle pressure. His elegant batting style and ability to build partnerships make him a valuable asset. Irfan’s inclusion offers Pakistan flexibility in shaping their batting strategy.
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6. Tayyab Tahir (middle order batting)
Tayyab Tahir is an aggressive middle-order batsman with a reputation for finishing games. Known for his counter-attacking ability, he can swing the momentum in Pakistan’s favor during the middle overs. His adaptability to different situations and ability to hit spin are key strengths. Tahir’s role will be vital in accelerating the run rate when needed.
7. Usman Khan (middle order batting)
Usman Khan brings explosiveness to Pakistan’s middle order with his attacking style of batting. His ability to erase boundaries and handle high-pressure situations is a significant asset. Usman’s recent performances in limited-overs cricket have cemented his position in the team. He is expected to play the role of a turning point in crucial moments.
8. Salman Agha (all-rounder)
Salman Agha offers a balanced combination of solid batting and off-spin bowling. His versatility allows Pakistan to maintain flexibility in the team composition. Salman’s ability to play crucial innings in the lower middle order and economical overs makes him a key asset. His performance in the Champions Trophy could provide the team with vital developments.
9. Kamran Ghulam (middle order batting)
Kamran Ghulam is a reliable batsman who brings stability to the lower middle order. His ability to rotate the shot and accelerate when needed adds depth to the lineup. Kamran’s consistent domestic performances make him a player to watch. He could play a key role in building partnerships and ending matches.
10. Mohammad Hasnain (fast bowler)
Mohammad Hasnain’s raw pace and rebounding ability make him a threat on any surface. His knack for taking early wickets will be key in Pakistan’s bowling attack. Hasnain’s recent improvements in control and variation add to his effectiveness. He will play a key role in troubling opponents with his fire spells.
11. Sufiyan Muqeem (left arm spinner)
Sufiyan Muqeem is a young and talented left arm spinner who has impressed with his accuracy. His ability to contain runs and take wickets in the middle overs will be vital on spin-friendly tracks. Muqeem’s variation and control make him a valuable addition to the squad. His performance at the Champions Trophy could set him up as a rising star.
12. Haris Rauf (Fast bowler)
Haris Rauf is Pakistan’s best bowler because of his pace and aggressiveness. His ability to bowl at high speeds and deliver accurate yorkers makes him deadly. Rauf’s ability to take crucial wickets under pressure has been a hallmark of his career. His role in leading the pace attack alongside Shaheen Afridi will be crucial.
13. Usama Mir (leg spinner)
Usama Mir is an attacking player who turns his legs and brings the possibility of winning the wicket with medium overs. His ability to fool batsmen with escape and sharp spin makes him a key player. Usama’s recent performances have shown his match-winning potential in white-ball cricket. He will play a key role in breaking partnerships during the Champions Trophy.
14. Naseem Shah (fast bowler)
Naseem Shah’s deadly pace and swing make him a formidable bowler with the new ball. His ability to bowl consistent lines and lengths adds control to Pakistan’s attack. Naseem has proven to be a reliable bowler in ICC events and pressure situations. His partnership with Shaheen Afridi will be crucial in breaking the opposition top order.
15. Shaheen Afridi (fast bowler)
Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan opener, is known for his ability to strike early with the new ball. His deadly inswingers and accurate yorkers make him the best bowler in ODIs. Shaheen’s performances in ICC tournaments are always top notch. As a senior bowler, his role will be crucial in leading the tempo of the attack.
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