Pakistan has submitted an initial squad of over 20 players for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, when Pakistan, serving as both the host nation and the defending champions, will face off against New Zealand in the opening match, which will take place in Karachi.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee finalized the initial squad and submitted it to the ICC just two days ago. Among the names included is opener Saim Ayub, who is currently undergoing treatment in London after sustaining an injury during the second Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
The preliminary squad features several notable players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan, batting sensation Babar Azam, and emerging talents Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan Niazi. The complete list includes:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c)
- Babar Azam
- Tayyab Tahir
- Irfan Khan Niazi
- Sufyan Maqeem
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Abdullah Shafique
- Naseem Shah
- Usman Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hasibullah
- Abbas Afridi
As the tournament draws closer, the final squad for the Champions Trophy is anticipated to be revealed on February 10. It is anticipated that there will be several changes to the initial squad, with the inclusion of openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan appearing less likely due to their current form and fitness.
Pakistan aims to defend its title and make a strong impression in the ICC Champions Trophy, showcasing its rich cricketing talent and determination on the global stage. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the squad is poised for a competitive outing in 2025.
