Lahore, January 31, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the much-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the upcoming tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The squad sees four changes from the team that last played an ODI series in South Africa. Notably, opener Saim Ayub misses out due to an injury sustained on that tour, while Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Sufyan Moqim have also been omitted.
The team will be led by Mohammad Rizwan, with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain. The squad features three players from Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning side — Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman.
Several players also featured in the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup 2023, including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel.
Opener Fakhar Zaman, who played a match-winning knock in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, makes a comeback after recovering from injury and illness. Pakistan’s Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has been rewarded for his consistent performances in home Tests.
Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah return, adding depth to the squad. Faheem, last seen in an ODI in September 2023, has been a standout domestic performer. Khushdil, who last played in August 2022, impressed selectors with 176 runs in the Champions One-Day Cup and an all-round display of 132 runs and nine wickets in the Champions T20 Cup.
Tri-nation series begins on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium. Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19 and runs until March 9.
The PCB has until February 11 to make any changes to the squad. After that, replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds, subject to ICC Event Technical Committee approval.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025 & Tri-Series
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, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
