ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Saim Ayub omitted, Mohammad Rizwan to lead Pakistan's 15-man squad
Xtra Time Web Desk: Pakistan has confirmed its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Mohammad Rizwan taking over as captain since Babar Azam's resignation post-2023 World Cup. This will be the first 50-over ICC tournament since then.
Rising star Saim Ayub, who has been in superb form, will miss out due to an ankle injury sustained during Pakistan's New Year's Test in Cape Town. National Selection Committee member Asad Shafiq expressed understanding of Ayub's disappointment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his long-term health.
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Top-order batter Abdullah Shafique has also missed the cut, leaving Babar Azam to likely fill one of the top-order roles. Veteran Fakhar Zaman, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy win, is included, with the possibility of opening alongside either Babar or Saud Shakeel, depending on conditions and strategy.
The squad will also feature Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel, all recalled for this tournament. They will also play in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in preparation for the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan name ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) January 31, 2025
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/XfswdRVWrO #WeHaveWeWill | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/kGA9hJr4dV
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Aaqib Javed continues in his role as interim coach following Gary Kirsten's departure last October.
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.
