The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, with Pakistan not only hosting the tournament but also entering as the defending champions, having clinched their maiden title in 2017. This edition holds significant importance for Pakistan as they aim to leverage home advantage and reaffirm their dominance in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Squad Composition and Key Players
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The squad includes a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, aiming to create a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level.
Batsmen
Babar Azam – The Batting Maestro
Babar Azam, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, continues to be a prolific run-scorer across all formats. His elegant stroke play and consistent performances have earned him accolades worldwide. In ODIs, Babar boasts an impressive average, underscoring his reliability at the crease.
Fakhar Zaman – The Aggressive Opener
Fakhar Zaman returns to the squad after overcoming injury and illness that had sidelined him since June 2024. He demonstrated his return to form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024, where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at a strike rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has amassed 3,492 runs, including 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries, at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 93.4.
Emerging Talents in the Batting Lineup
The inclusion of players like Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir adds depth to the batting unit. Saud Shakeel has been rewarded for his consistent performances in home Tests, earning a place in the side. The left-hander last played an ODI against England in the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup 2023 but has scored 577 runs in 13 Test innings at home this season, with two centuries and two half-centuries against Bangladesh, England, and the West Indies.
Bowlers
Shaheen Afridi – The Spearhead of the Pace Attack
Shaheen Afridi has been a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup. To manage his workload and ensure peak performance during the Champions Trophy, Shaheen was rested for the Test series against South Africa but is set to lead the pace attack in the upcoming tournament.
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah – The Supporting Pacers
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah complement Shaheen in the fast-bowling department. Haris brings raw pace and aggression, while Naseem’s youthful exuberance and ability to generate movement off the pitch add variety to the attack.
Spin Options – Abrar Ahmed and Others
The squad features Abrar Ahmed as a specialist spinner. His recent performances in domestic cricket have been impressive, and he will be eager to make an impact on the international stage.
All-Rounders
Faheem Ashraf – Adding Balance to the Team
Faheem Ashraf returns to the ODI squad, adding versatility and providing captain Mohammad Rizwan with additional options. His contributions with both bat and ball offer depth to the lineup.
Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha – Versatile Contributors
Khushdil Shah, who last represented Pakistan in ODIs in August 2022, has earned the selectors’ nod after scoring 176 runs in the Champions One-Day Cup and taking nine wickets in the Champions T20 Cup. Salman Ali Agha, serving as vice-captain, brings leadership and all-round capabilities to the squad.
Strengths of the Squad
Potent Pace Attack
Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit is renowned for its ability to take early wickets, applying pressure on opposing teams from the outset. The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah offers a blend of pace, swing, and seam movement, making them a formidable force.
Solid Batting Core
The batting lineup, anchored by Babar Azam, provides stability. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach at the top can set the tone for the innings, while emerging talents add depth to the middle order.
All-Rounder Contributions
The presence of all-rounders like Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah offers flexibility in both batting and bowling, allowing for dynamic team compositions based on match situations.
Weaknesses and Areas of Concern
Middle-Order Instability
Pakistan’s batting lineup has occasionally exhibited over-reliance on its top order, particularly on stalwarts like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. This dependence can lead to vulnerabilities if early wickets fall. The middle-order, featuring players such as Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir, while talented, lacks extensive experience in high-pressure international scenarios. Their ability to anchor innings during critical junctures remains a concern.
Spin Bowling Depth
The squad’s spin department is relatively inexperienced, with Abrar Ahmed being the primary specialist spinner. The absence of seasoned spinners could pose challenges, especially on spin-friendly pitches. The effectiveness of part-time options like Khushdil Shah may not suffice against teams proficient in playing spin, highlighting a potential area of vulnerability.
Fielding Efficiency
Historically, Pakistan’s fielding standards have faced scrutiny due to lapses in crucial moments. Instances of dropped catches and misfields have previously cost the team valuable matches. Recognizing this, the coaching staff has initiated focused fielding drills and fitness regimes to enhance agility and reflexes. However, the real test will be the implementation of these improvements under match conditions.
Star Players to Watch
Babar Azam
Serving as the captain and premier batsman, Babar Azam’s role is pivotal. His exceptional technique and temperament have earned him accolades globally. In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, Babar has maintained a commendable batting average, underscoring his consistency. His leadership will be instrumental in navigating the team through challenging situations.
Shaheen Afridi
As the spearhead of the bowling attack, Shaheen Afridi’s ability to deliver impactful spells, especially with the new ball, is crucial. His recent performances have showcased his knack for early breakthroughs, setting the tone for Pakistan’s bowling innings. Managing his workload has been a priority to ensure he remains at peak fitness for the tournament.
Mohammad Rizwan
Elevated to the role of captain for the Champions Trophy, Mohammad Rizwan brings a blend of leadership and consistent performance. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, his dual responsibilities are vital. Rizwan’s recent form with the bat has been impressive, and his experience will be invaluable in stabilizing the middle order during high-pressure situations.
Impact of All-Rounders
Faheem Ashraf
Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments. His ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order and provide crucial overs makes him a key asset. His recent domestic performances have been promising, indicating readiness to make a significant impact.
Khushdil Shah
Returning to the ODI setup, Khushdil Shah offers the team a dynamic option with his power-hitting capabilities. His part-time spin bowling provides an additional tactical advantage, allowing for flexible bowling combinations. His recent form in domestic tournaments has been noteworthy, making him a player to watch.
Historical Performance in Champions Trophy
2017 Victory
Pakistan’s triumphant campaign in the 2017 Champions Trophy remains a landmark achievement. The final against India was a showcase of comprehensive performance, with Fakhar Zaman’s century and a disciplined bowling effort leading to a decisive victory. This success instilled a sense of belief and showcased Pakistan’s potential in multinational tournaments.
Overall Track Record
Beyond the 2017 victory, Pakistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy has been mixed. The team has experienced both early exits and deep runs, reflecting inconsistency. Analyzing past performances reveals a pattern of fluctuating form, often influenced by batting collapses or fielding lapses. Addressing these historical issues will be crucial for a successful campaign in 2025.
FAQs
In conclusion, Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 presents a promising blend of experience and youth. Success in the tournament will hinge on leveraging their strengths while strategically addressing areas of concern.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
