Karachi, February 18, 2025: With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin tomorrow in Karachi, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that star pacer Haris Rauf is fully fit and ready for action, putting to rest any speculation about his availability.
Rauf had left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region. However, after undergoing MRI and X-ray scans, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) assured that his injury was not serious and that he would recover in time for the tournament.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Rizwan shared an update on Rauf’s fitness.
“Haris Rauf bowled 80% yesterday, and now he is bowling in full rhythm. He is fit and available for the team,” Rizwan confirmed.
Rizwan also emphasized the importance of experienced players stepping up in major events like the Champions Trophy.
“Being a senior player means taking responsibility. We have to lead from the front,” he said, highlighting the key roles of himself, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi in Pakistan’s campaign.
Acknowledging areas for improvement, Rizwan stressed the team’s commitment to continuous learning.
“No player is perfect, but our intention is to keep improving and learning from every match,” he added.
Rizwan praised the PCB’s efforts in preparing Pakistan’s stadiums for the prestigious tournament, which returns to the country after years.
“Our stadiums have been prepared in record time. We shouldn’t doubt our capabilities,” he asserted.
With Pakistan set to open their campaign against New Zealand on February 19, Rizwan made it clear that the squad is fully focused on one goal: winning the trophy on home soil.
“It’s not just me and Babar who want to win the title; every player in the squad wants this, and so does every Pakistani,” he declared.
Following their opening match in Karachi, Pakistan will travel to the UAE for a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23, before returning home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
