The Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan. Managed by the ICC (International Cricket Council), this One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament will feature 8 teams competing across 15 matches in a round-robin and knockout format. This will be the ninth edition of the tournament, with Pakistan hosting for the first time.
Breaking News: Pakistan Announces Final Squad for the Champions Trophy 2025
In a major announcement, host nation Pakistan has revealed their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. The squad, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, includes some surprises and key changes.
Injury Setback
Pakistan has suffered a severe blow with the withdrawal of young opener Saim Ayub, who never fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained during a Test match against South Africa. Ayub, one of the most in-form batters in 2024, had scored two centuries in the ODI series against South Africa in December.
Regarding his recovery, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated:
“The plaster has now been removed, and he is in regular contact with his doctors. He would need at least another three to four weeks to recover, but we hope to see him back with the team soon.”
Additions and Omissions
- Fakhar Zaman has been recalled to the squad, bringing his experience from the 2017 Champions Trophy final victory against India.
- Saud Shakeel has been included after impressive performances, scoring 317 runs in 15 ODIs at a strike rate of 89.8.
- Notable Absentees: Abdullah Shafique, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abbas Afridi did not make the squad due to poor recent performances and lack of experience.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah bolster the all-rounder department. Abrar Ahmed will be the sole specialist spinner, while Usman Khan provides backup for wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan’s Final Squad for the Champions Trophy 2025
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Tayyab Tahir
- Usman Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Abrar Ahmed
- Saud Shakeel
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
Read Also:- Champions Trophy 2025 India Squad Players List
Champions Trophy 2025: Group Details
Pakistan has been placed in Group A, alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and India. Group B consists of Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.
Group A:
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- New Zealand
Group B:
- Australia
- South Africa
- England
- Afghanistan
Pakistan Team Schedule for Champions Trophy 2025
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Feb | Pakistan v New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 14:30 |
| 23 Feb | Pakistan v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 14:30 |
| 27 Feb | Pakistan v Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 14:30 |
Read More:- Champions Trophy 2025 Teams List
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature 8 teams, with qualification based on the 2023 Cricket World Cup results. The top 7 teams from that tournament have earned their spots, while Pakistan automatically qualified as the host nation. The tournament format includes a round-robin stage followed by knockout matches, ensuring intense competition among the world’s best cricketing nations.
