Mohammad Rizwan to lead as hosts Pakistan name squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan will start their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against New Zealand on February 19.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their 15-player squad on January 31 for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.

Pakistan are in Group A with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The defending champions have named Mohammad Rizwan as their captain and will start their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.

Youngster Saim Ayub has missed out on selection after injuring his ankle in Pakistan’s New Year’s test against South Africa in Cape Town. Opener Abdullah Shafique is also left out, while Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel have been recalled to the squad.

Speaking to the media after the squad announcement, National Selection Committee member Asad Shafiq explained the decision to leave out Saim Ayub. While acknowledging Saim’s disappointment, Shafiq emphasized the need to protect him for the long term.

Shafiq said, “We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form,“

He added, “However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions.“

The same squad will feature in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in the leadup to the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan group stage schedule:

19 February – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi

23 February – Pakistan vs India, Dubai

27 February – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi

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