Mohammad Rizwan to lead Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Fakhar Zaman returns

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially named Mohammad Rizwan as the captain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking a crucial leadership shift in Pakistan cricket. Rizwan, a consistent performer in all formats, takes over from Babar Azam as the Men in Green prepare to defend their Champions Trophy title on home soil.

Pakistan last won the tournament in 2017, defeating India in a historic final. With the Champions Trophy returning after eight years, Pakistan will aim to reclaim the trophy under Rizwan’s leadership.

What Are the Key Changes in Pakistan’s 2025 Champions Trophy Squad?

PCB’s squad announcement on January 31, 2025, brought several key inclusions and exclusions. The biggest talking point is the return of Fakhar Zaman, who played a match-winning knock in the 2017 final. His experience at the top order is expected to be a vital asset for the team.

On the other hand, promising young batter Saim Ayub has been left out. The selection committee opted for experience over youthful energy, a decision that has sparked debate among cricket analysts.

Other notable changes include the omission of Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Sufyan Moqim, who made way for Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah.

How Strong Is Pakistan’s Squad for the Champions Trophy?

Pakistan’s 15-man squad combines batting depth, all-round balance, and a formidable bowling attack:

Batting: Mohammad Rizwan will anchor the innings, supported by Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, and Tayyab Tahir.

All-rounders: The team has invested in multi-dimensional players like Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Salman Ali Agha, who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Bowling: Pakistan’s pace attack remains one of the strongest in the tournament, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain expected to spearhead the bowling department.

Who Will Pakistan Face in the Group Stage?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan, with the tournament scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025. Pakistan is placed in Group A, alongside New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh. Their group-stage matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.

Pakistan’s Fixtures for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand – Karachi

February 23: Pakistan vs. India – Dubai

February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – Rawalpindi

Due to ongoing political tensions, the highly anticipated Pakistan vs. India match will be played in Dubai, as per ICC’s decision to ensure neutral ground. This clash is expected to be one of the tournament’s biggest highlights.

How Will Pakistan Prepare for the Tournament?

To ensure match readiness, Pakistan will participate in a tri-nation ODI series featuring New Zealand and South Africa before the Champions Trophy. The series, set to take place in Lahore and Karachi, will allow Pakistan to fine-tune its squad and test different combinations ahead of the high-pressure tournament.

Additionally, PCB has planned rigorous training camps focusing on:

• Strengthening fielding performance, a historically weak area for Pakistan.
• Enhancing fitness standards, ensuring players are prepared for back-to-back matches.
• Fine-tuning batting consistency, particularly in the middle order, to prevent collapses in high-pressure games.

Can Pakistan Defend Their Champions Trophy Title?

As defending champions, Pakistan faces a significant challenge in retaining the title. While playing at home provides an advantage, the competition is expected to be fierce, with teams like India, Australia, and England bringing strong squads.

Rizwan’s captaincy, Pakistan’s bowling firepower, and consistency in batting will determine their success. The team will rely on big-match players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, while young pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi will need to deliver impactful performances.

With cricket fans eagerly awaiting the tournament, Pakistan’s campaign will be under intense scrutiny. Can Rizwan’s squad repeat the 2017 heroics and secure another ICC title? The stage is set for a thrilling competition.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicket Keeper)
• 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

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

Group Stage Matches:

19 February: Pakistan 🆚 New Zealand – Karachi, Pakistan

20 February: Bangladesh 🆚 India – Dubai

21 February: Afghanistan 🆚 South Africa – Karachi, Pakistan

22 February: Australia 🆚 England – Lahore, Pakistan

23 February: Pakistan 🆚 India – Dubai

24 February: Bangladesh 🆚 New Zealand – Rawalpindi, Pakistan

25 February: Australia 🆚 South Africa – Rawalpindi, Pakistan

26 February: Afghanistan 🆚 England – Lahore, Pakistan

27 February: Pakistan 🆚 Bangladesh – Rawalpindi, Pakistan

28 February: Afghanistan 🆚 Australia – Lahore, Pakistan

1 March: South Africa 🆚 England – Karachi, Pakistan

2 March: New Zealand 🆚 India – Dubai

Knockout Stage:

4 March: Semi-final 1 – Dubai

5 March: Semi-final 2 – Lahore, Pakistan

9 March: Final – Lahore (If India qualifies, the final will be played in Dubai instead.)

10 March: Reserve Day