Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team includes the return of Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Saud Shakeel, and Faheem Ashraf.
Here are the key details of the squad:
The Selected Squad: The 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes Babar Azam (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Fakhar Zaman's Comeback: Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against India, makes a comeback after being away from international cricket since June 2024 due to illness and injury. He had an impressive performance in the 2024 Champions T20 Cup, scoring 303 runs with a striking rate of over 132, ranking as the third-highest run-scorer.
Saud Shakeel’s Inclusion: Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s Test vice-captain, has earned his spot in the squad due to consistent and excellent performances in home Test matches. In the 2023-24 season, Saud scored 577 runs in 13 innings against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies. His inclusion rewards his consistent form in red-ball cricket.
Changes in the Squad: Four changes have been made to the squad that last played a one-day series in South Africa. PCB selectors have focused on picking players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions, with a strong emphasis on players who understand home conditions and have shown resilience in challenging environments.
Strategic Team Choices: The PCB selectors have expressed confidence in emerging talents like Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Tayyab Tahir. These players have excelled in domestic cricket and are expected to bring their form to the international stage. Fakhar Zaman's aggressive style and match-winning ability add strength to the top order, while Saud Shakeel’s solid technique and ability to build partnerships offer stability in the middle order.
Here is the list of players included in Pakistan's 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
In conclusion, the squad is well-balanced with a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, all aiming for a strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa before the tournament.
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