Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making final decisions on its squad. The team’s composition hinges on several pivotal choices, including the potential inclusion of Saim Ayub, who is in the recovery phase from an ankle fracture.

The PCB is in the final stages of squad selection, with Saim Ayub’s fitness being a crucial factor.
Fakhar Zaman’s place is confirmed, while Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah are still under consideration.
Pakistan’s formidable pace trio and spin options are expected to form the core of the bowling attack.
The Champions Trophy runs from February 19 to March 9, with Pakistan opening the event against New Zealand in Karachi.

Pakistan’s Road to the Champions Trophy

Before the main event begins, Pakistan will compete in a tri-nation series featuring South Africa and New Zealand. The same squad selected for this series is expected to continue on to the Champions Trophy, providing continuity and consistency.

Decisions on Key Players

Saim Ayub’s Fitness Test: Saim Ayub’s availability is crucial. If he recovers in time, he’s likely to make the squad. If not, selectors have a backup plan in place.
Other Openers in Question: Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan are reportedly out of contention due to poor form, leaving the door open for other top-order choices. Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, has secured his spot.
Emerging Talent Considered: Youngster Haseebullah and experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq remain under discussion, offering potential fresh energy to the lineup.

Core Team Members Confirmed

The squad’s backbone includes dependable batsmen like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan. The pace attack, a traditional strength of Pakistan cricket, will be led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Mohammad Hasnain providing additional firepower. The bowling lineup also features all-rounder Kamran Ghulam and two promising spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem.

ALSO READ: Saim Ayub's Crucial Race Against Time for Champions Trophy 2025

Tournament Overview and Format

The Champions Trophy 2025, an eight-team event, is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9. Matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, as well as Dubai. The group stage includes two groups of four teams each, followed by semi-finals and the final. Pakistan, as hosts, will kick off the tournament with a match against New Zealand, and the highly anticipated clash with India is set for February 23 in Dubai.

Check out the Champions Trophy Stats