Faheem, Fakhar, Khushdil, and Saud recalled
Squad to also compete in tri-nation series
against New Zealand and South Africa
Sports Reporter
Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The same squad will also participate in the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi.
Pakistan has until February 11 to make any changes to the squad. After this date, replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds with ICC approval.
Pakistan’s 15-Player Squad:
Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir
All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
Wicketkeeper-batters: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Usman Khan
Spinner: Abrar Ahmed
Fast bowlers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Key Inclusions and Comebacks:
- Fakhar Zaman returns after recovering from injury, having impressed in the Champions T20 Cup 2024 with 303 runs at a strike rate of over 132. He has 3,492 ODI runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.
- Saud Shakeel earns a recall following strong domestic and Test performances.
- Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah return to strengthen Pakistan’s all-round options.
Selection Committee’s Take:
National selector Asad Shafiq emphasized a “horses for courses” approach, selecting players excelling in domestic competitions under similar conditions.
“We have assembled a squad with a balance of youth and experience, ensuring flexibility and strategic depth. Fakhar Zaman’s return boosts our top order, while Saud Shakeel’s inclusion adds stability.”
Pakistan’s Recent ODI Performance:
Since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan has secured series victories against:
- Australia (2-1)
- Zimbabwe (2-1)
- South Africa (3-0)
Preparation for ICC Champions Trophy:
The tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa will serve as a crucial preparatory phase, allowing Pakistan to refine strategies and team combinations ahead of the global event.
Team Management and Support Staff: The squad will be managed by Naveed Akram Cheema, with Aqib Javed as interim head coach. The support team includes batting coach Shahid Aslam, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and bowling coach Abdul Rehman, among others.
Pakistan’s squad will assemble in Lahore on February 3 to begin preparations.
