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The last date for naming provisional squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is January 12, and teams are racing against time to finalize their line-ups. The tournament, starting on February 19, will be held in a hybrid model, with Pakistan as the main host and India’s matches being played in the UAE due to political tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This unusual arrangement adds intrigue to what promises to be a competitive tournament.
Pakistan’s preparations for the Champions Trophy
The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is the most important for Pakistan. They enter the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the 2017 title in England, beating India in the final. With their new captain on the white ball, Mohammad Rizwanleading the side, Pakistan have shown impressive form, having recently whitewashed both australian and South Africa in the ODI series. However, injury concerns for some key players could affect their campaign on home soil. Pakistan will look to take advantage of the flat batting tracks at home, but their success depends on preparing a fit and balanced squad.
Here is the predicted Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025
1. Saim Ayub (Top Order Batter)
One of Pakistan’s standout players in recent months, Saim Ayubfaces an uncertain path to the Champions Trophy. The young left-hander, who took the cricketing world by storm with his incredible form in ODIs, suffered a broken ankle during the second Test against South Africa. This injury kept him out for at least six weeks, putting his participation in doubt.
Ayub’s ODI Performances
- Games played: 9
- Centuries: 3
- Fifty: 1
- New Contributions: Saim has been instrumental in Pakistan’s series win over South Africa, scoring 235 runs in his last three ODIs.
If Saim remains unfit, Pakistan may lose a key player who has proven his mettle on flat batting tracks. Even if he regains fitness before the tournament, a lack of game practice could limit his effectiveness. In his absence, Imam-ul-Haq or Fakhar Zaman expected to act as an opener partner Abdullah Shafiq.
2. Abdullah Shafique (Top-Order Batter)
Shafique is known for his composed batting technique and ability to anchor the innings. With strong performances in Test and ODI cricket, he is a reliable option at the top of the order. His adaptability to different conditions will be important on flat and friendly tracks. Shafique’s role will be crucial in giving Pakistan a consistent start in the Champions Trophy.
3. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Rizwan’s consistency and leadership made him a key figure for Pakistan. As the new white-ball captain, Rizwan excelled in leading the team and maintaining his form with the bat. His wicket-taking skills add an edge, making him a complete package. Rizwan’s ability to stabilize the innings under pressure will be crucial in high-stakes games.
4. Babar Azam (Top-Order Batter)
Babar Azam, one of the best batsmen in the world, will carry the weight of Pakistan’s hopes. His beautiful stroke play and consistency make him the backbone of the batting lineup. Babar has thrived in ODI cricket, and his performances at ICC events have always been outstanding. His experience and calm demeanor will be invaluable in navigating difficult situations.
5. Irfan Khan (Top-Order Batter)
Irfan Khan, a promising talent, adds depth to Pakistan’s top order. With a solid domestic record, he has shown the ability to play long innings and handle pressure. His elegant batting style and partnership-building skills make him a valuable asset. Irfan’s inclusion offers Pakistan the flexibility to shape their batting strategy.
READ ALSO: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman has predicted his four Champions Trophy 2025 semifinalists
6. Tayyab Tahir (Middle-Order Batter)
Tayyab Tahir is an aggressive middle-order batter with a reputation for finishing games. Known for his counterattacking ability, he can shift the momentum in Pakistan’s favor in the middle overs. His ability to adapt to different situations and spin-hitting skills are key strengths. Tahir’s role is important in accelerating the run rate when needed.
7. Usman Khan (Middle-Order Batter)
Usman Khan brings explosiveness to Pakistan’s middle order with his attacking style of batting. His ability to clear boundaries and handle high-pressure situations is a key asset. Usman’s recent performances in limited-overs cricket have cemented his position in the squad. He is expected to play the role of a game changer in moments.
8. Salman Agha (All-Rounder)
Salman Agha offers a balanced combination of solid batting and off-spin bowling. His versatility allows Pakistan to maintain flexibility in team composition. Salman’s ability to play crucial innings in the lower middle order and bowls well makes him a valuable asset. His performance in the Champions Trophy will give the team significant achievements.
9. Kamran Ghulam (Middle-Order Batter)
Kamran Ghulam is a reliable batsman who brings stability to the lower middle order. His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed adds depth to the lineup. Kamran’s consistent performances at home make him a player to watch. He can play a vital role in building partnerships and finishing games.
10. Mohammad Hasnain (Fast Bowler)
Mohammad Hasnain’s raw pace and ability to take the bounce make him a threat on any surface. His knack for taking early wickets will be crucial to Pakistan’s bowling attack. Hasnain’s recent improvements in control and variations have increased his effectiveness. He plays a vital role in troubling the opposition batters with his fiery spells.
11. Sufiyan Muqeem (Left-Arm Wrist Spinner)
Sufiyan Muqeem is a young and talented left arm wrist spinner who impresses with his accuracy. His ability to restrict runs and take wickets in the middle overs is essential on spin-friendly tracks. Muqeem’s versatility and control make him a valuable addition to the squad. His performance in the Champions Trophy will make him a rising star.
12. Haris Rauf (Fast Bowler)
Haris Rauf is Pakistan’s leading bowler for pace and aggression. His ability to bowl at high pace and deliver accurate yorkers makes him deadly in the death overs. Rauf’s knack for taking crucial wickets under pressure has been a hallmark of his career. His role of spearheading the pace attack along with Shaheen Afridi will be crucial.
13. Usama Mir (leg spinner)
Usama Mir is an attacking leg-spinner who brings a wicket-taking option in the middle overs. His ability to fool batters with flight and sharp turns made him a key player. Usama’s recent performances have shown his match-winning potential in white-ball cricket. He played a key role in breaking the partnership during the Champions Trophy.
14. Naseem Shah (Fast Bowler)
Naseem Shah’s deadly pace and swing make him a formidable bowler with the new ball. His ability to kiss consistent lines and lengths adds to the control of Pakistan’s attack. Naseem has emerged as a reliable bowler in ICC events and pressure situations. His partnership with Shaheen Afridi will be crucial in breaking the opposition’s top order.
15. Shaheen Afridi (Fast Bowler)
Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan skipper, is known for his ability to strike early with the new ball. His deadly inswingers and pinpoint yorkers made him a match-winner in ODIs. Shaheen’s performances in ICC tournaments have been consistently top-notch. As a senior bowler, his role will be instrumental in leading the pace attack.
