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as Pakistan preparing to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next to United Arab Emirates (UAE), excitement and anticipation gripped the cricketing circles of the country. Set to begin on February 19, the tournament will conclude with the final on March 9, offering Pakistan a golden opportunity to regain international glory.
The Champions Trophy campaign for Pakistan has a high stakes to contend with New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 19. This will be followed by a much-anticipated showdown against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23, before facing off Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. Pakistan is determined to do better this time after the recent early exit in ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024. Hosting the tournament on home soil brings an extra layer of motivation, and the Men in Green will be looking to use this advantage in their quest to reclaim the title.
Former cricketer Kamran Akmal’s move to reveal his 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy on social media platform X has sparked a great debate among cricket analysts and fans. The selection highlights key inclusions that will shape Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
Among the standout selections are the left-handed openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Fakhar’s experience and aggressive style at the top will be crucial for Pakistan’s opening combination. Meanwhile, Ayub’s inclusion has raised questions due to his injury in Pakistan’s recent Test campaign in South Africa. the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted to send Ayub to London for special treatment, leaving doubts about his availability for the Champions Trophy. Kamran further included Iman-Ul-Haq as another opener in his squad for Pakistan.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan entrusted with leading the squad, a responsibility he carries with maturity and experience. The competition in the top order is fierce, with Zaman, Saim and Imam vying for the opening spots. The middle order looks strong with the stalwarts Babar Azam and Rizwan anchored No. 3 and No. 4. In addition, Kamran Ghulamfresh off a stellar Test debut century, and powerful hitter Irfan Khan Niazi add depth to the batting lineup with an all rounder Salman Ali Aghagiving Pakistan a well-rounded batting unit.
Pakistan’s fast attack was led by a blazing fire Shaheen Afridisupported by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, which gives motivation and aggression. With Mohammad Hasnain and all-rounder Aamer Jamal as backup options, the pace attack remains versatile and a threat in various conditions. The spin attack is equally terrifying for the left-arm chinaman bowler Sufi Muqeem and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmedwhich adds strategic flexibility to Pakistan’s bowling options.
My 15 man 🇵🇰 squad for #CT2025
1.Fakhar Zaman
2. Saim Ayub
3. Babar Azam
4.M.Rizwan (c)
5.Salman Ali Agha
6. Kamran Ghulam
7. Aamer Jamal
8. Shaheen shah afridi
9. Haris Rauf
10. Naseem Shah
11. Abrar Ahmad
12. Imam ul Haq
13. Sufian Muqeem
14.M.Irfan Khan Niazi
15. M. Husnain
What is yours?— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 15, 2025