The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalizing the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February next month in Pakistan and Dubai. A key decision remains to be made whether to include young fly-half Saim Ayub, who is currently recovering from a broken ankle.
Pakistan will host a tri-series in February 2025, with South Africa and New Zealand as the participating teams. This series will serve as preparation for the next Champions Trophy. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan is the only team yet to announce their roster for the prestigious ICC tournament.
Pakistan set to announce squad for upcoming Champions Trophy 2025
According to the Geo Super report, Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is still under final consideration. The inclusion of Saim Ayub, who is recovering from an ankle injury, remains uncertain. If Ayub is found fit, the same team will be used for all three series and the Champions Trophy.
However, in the event of unavailability, replacements are considered. Abdullah Shafique, who is out of form, and Usman Khan are unlikely to be selected. Fakhar Zaman has confirmed his place in the squad, while Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah Khan are eyeing replacements for the injured Saim Ayub.
Mohammad Rizwan set to lead the men in green at the 2025 Champions Trophy
The selectors are expected to include key players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan. The team will rely on a fast-paced attack with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain.
Kamran Ghulam, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem could also be included. However, Pakistan remains the only team yet to officially announce their roster for the event. Although preliminary names have been submitted to the ICC, the final lineup must be confirmed by February 11.
Pakistan will enter the 2025 Champions Trophy as defending champions
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Pakistan is placed in Group A with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
The event will take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches hosted at three venues in Pakistan and matches for India in Dubai in a hybrid model. Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi. Pakistan’s much-anticipated clash against India is scheduled for February 23.
Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the final match of the group stage on February 27 in Rawalpindi. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final taking place on March 9.
The Champions Trophy was last held in 2017, hosted by England, where Pakistan won their maiden title by beating their arch rival India by 180 runs in the final clash. After that, the tournament was discontinued but was restarted four years later in 2021, with the 2025 edition scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
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