Major selection calls answered from Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad
From experienced campaigners making a comeback to a key run-scorer being sidelined by injury, there were multiple talking points from Pakistan's 15-member Champions Trophy squad.
Pakistan unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday.
The Mohammad Rizwan-led unit, comprising an intriguing blend of youth and experience, is tasked with defending the title they won 2017 as Pakistan host the tournament beginning on February 19.
READ MORE: Key batter ruled out as Pakistan name ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad
From the return of familiar experienced faces to youngsters being entrusted to fulfil key roles, we look at the major takeaways from the host nation's squad for the upcoming eight-team showdown.
WATCH: Class of 2017 announces the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025
Class of 2017 announces the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025
Ayub ruled out
A major protagonist in Pakistan’s historic ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa in 2024, Saim Ayub is a notable absentee in the Champions Trophy squad.
The 22-year-old, who amassed 515 runs at an average of 64.37 from nine ODI outings last year, hasn’t been included owing to an ankle injury he sustained during the Test series in South Africa.
Asad Shafiq, Pakistan’s national selection committee member, explained that the move to exclude Ayub had to do with his long-term fitness.
“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,” Shafiq said.
“However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions.”
15 Matches, 8 Teams, 1 Champion. It’s ALL ON THE LINE! Action begins on 19 February!
Babar-Saud opening contenders
Fakhar Zaman, who played a valuable role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, has marked a return to the ODI setup for the first time since the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan are keeping their options open when it comes to the 34-year-old’s opening partner. Abdullah Shafique, who had occupied the position in the Cricket World Cup, missed out on the squad, meaning former skipper Babar Azam and southpaw Saud Shakeel are front-runners for occupying an opener's role
“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy,” Shafiq conceded.
“Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence."
Abrar takes charge of spin
Spin bowling is likely to play a decisive role in the upcoming tournament, and Pakistan have placed trust in Abrar Ahmed to lead their spin department.
The 24-year-old, who made his ODI debut in the series against Zimbabwe last year, has 10 wickets to his name from four outings.
Shafiq pointed out that Abrar's domestic form was key in him being rewarded with a place in the squad.
“These players have shown the temperament and skill to thrive in challenging environments and have a deep understanding of home conditions,” Shafiq said.
When reputation, history and victory are on the line. Champions put it ALL ON THE LINE | ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025
Pace quartet
Going into their defence of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have opted for four-man pace attack.
The troika of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will be accompanied by 24-year-old Mohammad Hasnain in the lineup.
Particularly encouraging for the hosts are the exploits of Rauf and Afridi during the recent ODI series. While Rauf had snapped 10 wickets in what was Pakistan's first ODI series win in Australia after 22 years back in November, Afridi finished as the leading wicket-taker as Pakistan consigned South Africa to their first-ever series sweep at home in December.
Pakistan kickstart their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 19 in Karachi against New Zealand in the opening fixture of the eight-team tournament.
READ MORE - ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule
Pakistan's Group Stage Fixtures:
19 February - Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
23 February - Pakistan vs India, Dubai
27 February - Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
Pakistan 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.