Pakistan’s Naseem Shah (right) celebrates with teammates after dismissing South Africa’s Temba Bavuma (unpictured) during the second ODI at Newlands in Cape Town on December 19, 2024. — AFP
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the team is gearing up for two highly anticipated tournaments set to begin in February 2025.
The squad selection reflects Pakistan’s strategy to strengthen its batting depth, bowling attack, and overall team balance ahead of these major events.
Pakistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 & Tri-Nation Series
Squad Highlights:
- Captain & Leadership: Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team, while Salman Ali Agha has been named vice-captain.
- Experienced Players Return: Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel make a comeback to the squad after missing the recent ODI series against South Africa.
- Pace Attack: Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, the fast-bowling unit also features Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, bringing pace and versatility to Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
- Spin Department: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has been included as the specialist spinner, with all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah providing additional spin options.
Full Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Tournament Details & Key Fixtures
Tri-Nation Series 2025
The Tri-Nation Series will be an essential preparatory event for Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, allowing the teams to fine-tune their combinations before the Champions Trophy.
📍 Start Date: February 8, 2025
📍 Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. Pakistan will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and make a strong title run.
📍 Host Cities: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai
Key Fixtures for Pakistan:
📆 February 8: Pakistan 🆚 New Zealand – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
📆 February 19: Pakistan 🆚 New Zealand – National Stadium, Karachi
📆 February 23: Pakistan 🆚 India – Dubai International Stadium
The Pakistan vs. India clash remains the most anticipated match of the tournament, promising an electrifying encounter between the arch-rivals.
Pakistan’s Strategy for the Champions Trophy
The PCB’s squad selection highlights a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent. With a strong fast-bowling attack, reliable all-rounders, and a mix of power hitters and technical batters, the team aims to dominate in both home and overseas conditions.
🏏 Key Focus Areas for Pakistan:
✔️ Strengthening the batting lineup to counter spin-friendly pitches.
✔️ Utilizing reverse swing and fast-bowling depth to trouble opposition teams.
✔️ Preparing for high-pressure encounters, especially against India and other top-ranked teams.
With Pakistan looking to defend its Champions Trophy title, fans can expect thrilling cricket action and an aggressive brand of cricket from the Men in Green.
