Mohammad Rizwan to lead Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy: Details
31 Jan 2025

Pakistan have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy, which will begin on February 19 in Karachi.

The team will be led by Mohammad Rizwan, who will be making his debut as skipper in a 50-over ICC tournament.

Salman Ali Agha has been named vice-captain.

However, promising opener Saim Ayub will miss out due to an unresolved ankle injury from Pakistan's New Year's Test in Cape Town, South Africa.

Ayub's absence a significant blow for Pakistan
Injury impact

Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee, expressed disappointment over Ayub's absence from the global event.

He noted that this must be particularly devastating for Ayub considering his current exceptional batting form.

Shafiq stressed that the team is committed to prioritizing his long-term health over making any hasty decisions.

This development has seen Babar Azam bagging one of the top-order roles, after Abdullah Shafique's exclusion from the squad.

Fakhar Zaman returns to Pakistan's squad
Team composition

Fakhar Zaman, who was instrumental in the 2017 Champions Trophy final versus India, has returned to the Pakistan side.

Shafiq hinted either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel could partner with Fakhar at the top.

The squad also features Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

The pace attack features Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah while Abrar Ahmed will spearhead the spin attack.

Pakistan's preparation and tournament opener
Upcoming matches

The same 15-member squad will play a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand as preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Aaqib Javed, who stepped in as interim coach after Gary Kirsten's departure in October, will continue his role.

The team has made four changes from the one that last played an ODI series in South Africa.

Pakistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi.

Pakistan's 15-member Champions Trophy squad
Fact

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