Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the upcoming tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa. The squad marks the return of Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel, and Faheem Ashraf, while Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufiyan Muqeem have been dropped.
The batting lineup features Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, and Tayyab Tahir. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain) have also been included. The team comprises wicketkeepers Mohammad Rizwan (captain) and Usman Khan, spinner Abrar Ahmed, and fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Prior to the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will compete in a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in Karachi and Lahore. The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, with Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
National selector Asad Shafiq stated, “We have selected players who have excelled in home conditions. We are not making any rushed decisions.