The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalizing the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in February next month in Pakistan and Dubai. One key decision yet to be made is whether to include youngster Saim Ayoub, who is currently recovering from a broken ankle.
Pakistan will host a tri-series in February 2025, featuring South Africa and New Zealand. This series will serve as preparation for the upcoming Champions Cup. It is worth noting that Pakistan is the only team that has not yet announced its squad for the prestigious international World Cup tournament.
Pakistan is set to announce its squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025
According to a Geo Super report, Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 squad is still under final consideration. The inclusion of Saim Ayoub, who is recovering from an ankle injury, remains uncertain. If Ayoub is deemed fit, the same squad will be used for both the Treble Series and the Champions Trophy.
However, if it is not available, alternatives are considered. Abdullah Shafiq, who was out of form, and Usman Khan are unlikely to be selected. Fakhar Zaman has confirmed his place in the squad, while Imamul Haq and Haseebullah Khan are being considered to replace the injured Saim Ayub.
Mohamed Radwan will lead the Men in Green team in the 2025 Champions Cup
The selectors are expected to include key players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Irrfan Khan. The team will rely on a strong attacking line that includes Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.
Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed and young player Sufyan Muqeem could also be included. However, Pakistan remains the only team to have not officially announced their squad for the event. While the initial names have been submitted to the ICC, the final squad must be confirmed by February 11.
Pakistan will enter the 2025 Champions Trophy as the defending champions
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Pakistan is in the first group, along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while the second group consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
The event will run from February 19 to March 9, with matches being hosted at three venues in Pakistan and the India Games in Dubai under a hybrid model. Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi. Pakistan's highly anticipated match against India is scheduled to be held on February 23.
Pakistan will play Bangladesh in the final group stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi. The semi-final matches are scheduled to be held on March 4 and 5, with the final match being held on March 9.
The Champions Trophy was last held in 2017, hosted by England, with Pakistan winning their maiden title by defeating arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the final. After that, the tournament was halted but was revived four years later in 2021, with Pakistan scheduled to host the 2025 edition.
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