Lahore, January 31, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
The PCB has until February 11 to make any final adjustments to the squad, after which replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds, subject to approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.
The same squad will also compete in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, scheduled to take place in Lahore and Karachi as a preparatory event leading into the ICC Champions Trophy.
Key Changes in the Squad
Compared to Pakistan’s last ODI series against South Africa in late 2024, the squad sees four changes. Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel. Mohammad Rizwan will captain the side, with Salman Ali Agha serving as vice-captain.
Three members of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad—Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman—are included. Additionally, Babar, Fakhar, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel were part of Pakistan’s last 50-over ICC event, the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Since the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan has played three ODI series, securing victories against Australia (2-1), Zimbabwe (2-1), and South Africa (3-0), demonstrating strong form ahead of the marquee tournament.
Pakistan’s 15-Player Squad:
Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir
All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
Wicketkeeper-batters: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Usman Khan
Spinner: Abrar Ahmed
Fast bowlers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Notable Inclusions and Exclusions
Fakhar Zaman makes a much-anticipated return after recovering from injury and illness that kept him out of international cricket since June 2024. He showcased his fitness in 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.
Saud Shakeel earns a recall based on his stellar performances in home Tests. His last ODI was in the 2023 World Cup against England in Kolkata. In the current domestic season, he has excelled in Test cricket, scoring 577 runs in 13 innings with two centuries and two half-centuries against Bangladesh, England, and the West Indies.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah return, adding depth to the squad. Faheem last played an ODI in September 2023 and has since been a consistent domestic performer. Khushdil, who last represented Pakistan in ODIs in August 2022, earned his spot after strong performances in the Champions One-Day Cup and Champions T20 Cup.
Selectors’ Insights
Asad Shafiq, National Selection Committee Member, commented:
“The squad has been selected based on a ‘horses for courses’ approach, emphasizing players who have thrived in domestic competitions under similar conditions. Our priority was to ensure balance and versatility in the squad. We believe this squad blends experience and youth, offering multiple options to the captain in crucial match situations.
“The inclusion of young talents like Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Tayyab Tahir reflects our confidence in their ability to perform on the international stage. Abrar will lead the spin attack, supported by Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah.
“Fakhar Zaman’s return strengthens the top order, and his opening partner could be Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on conditions and opposition strategies.
“Saim Ayub, unfortunately, misses out due to an ankle injury, but we remain hopeful for his recovery. He is a vital asset to our team, and we are prioritizing his long-term fitness over short-term gains.
“The tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa will be a crucial preparatory phase, allowing us to refine our strategies before the ICC Champions Trophy.”
Schedule for Pakistan’s Upcoming ODIs:
Tri-Nation ODI Series:
• February 8 – vs New Zealand, Lahore
• February 12 – vs South Africa, Karachi
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage:
• February 19 – vs New Zealand, Karachi
• February 23 – vs India, Dubai
• February 27 – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
Player Support Personnel for Tri-Nation ODI Series & ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
• Team Manager: Naveed Akram Cheema
• Team Operations Manager: Hina Munawar
• Interim Head Coach: Aqib Javed
• Assistant Coach: Azhar Mahmood
• Batting Coach: Shahid Aslam
• Fielding Coach: Mohammad Masroor
• Spin Bowling Coach: Abdul Rehman
• Physiotherapist: Cliffe Deacon
• Strength & Conditioning Coach: Drikus Saiman
• Analyst: Talha Butt
• Security Manager: Irtiza Komail
• Team Doctor: Dr Wajid Ali Rafai
• Media & Digital Manager: Syed Naeem Ahmad
• Masseur: Sergio Basil Mullins
The Pakistan ODI squad will assemble in Lahore on February 3 to commence preparations for the upcoming assignments. With a well-balanced squad and home advantage, Pakistan aims to make a strong statement in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.