The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalizing the line-up for the upcoming International Cricket Federation Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan and Dubai next month in February. A key decision yet to be made is whether to include young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently recovering from a broken ankle.

Pakistan will host a tri-series in February 2025, involving South Africa and New Zealand. This series will prepare for the upcoming championship trophy. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan is the only team that has not yet announced its squad for the international ICC tournament.

Pakistan to announce upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 squad

According to Geo Super, Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is still under final consideration. The availability of Saim Ayub, who is recovering from an ankle injury, remains uncertain. If Ayoub is deemed fit, the same team will be used for the three major competitions and the Champions League.

However, we are considering replacing him if he is unavailable. Out-of-form Abdullah Shafiq and Usman Khan are unlikely to be selected. Fakhar Zaman has confirmed his place in the squad, while Imam-ul-Haq and Hasibullah Khan are being considered to replace the injured Saim Ayub.

Mohammad Rizwan to lead Men in Green in 2025 Champions Trophy campaign

The selectors are expected to include key names such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan. The team will rely on a strong pace attack with the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnan.

Kamran Ghulam, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and young leg-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem are also likely to be included. However, Pakistan remains the only team that has yet to officially announce its squad. While a preliminary list has been submitted to the ICC, the final list must be confirmed by February 11.

Pakistan will participate in Champions Trophy 2025 as defending champions

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Pakistan is in Group A along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.

The tournament will be held from February 19 to March 9 and will be played across three venues in Pakistan, while the India match will be held in Dubai in a hybrid format. Pakistan will play their opener against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for February 23.

Pakistan will play its final group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. The semi-finals are scheduled to be held on March 4-5, and the final will be held on March 9.

The Champions Trophy was last hosted by England in 2017, with Pakistan defeating arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the final to win their first title. The event was subsequently discontinued but was reinstated four years later in 2021, with the 2025 edition scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan.

Also read: IPL 2025: Watch – Rishabh Pant takes a cruel dig at KL Rahul after becoming LSG captain