Ayub Out, Shafique Snubbed as Pakistan Reveal Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan Squad Selection for ICC Champions Trophy Title Defence
A week ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-man squad that will defend their ICC Champions Trophy title, which they won by beating India by 180 runs at the Oval in London in 2017. However, following the announcement, it did not take long before fans, former players and analysts vented their concerns, criticising the selection of certain players to represent the proud cricketing nation in the upcoming edition, while questioning the exclusion of others.
Pakistan are drawn into a tricky Group A, which includes New Zealand, Bangladesh and India, and the squad features several players who were expected to be included and play big roles in the tournament. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team with Salman Ali Agha serving as vice-captain, while former skipper Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf are two of only three players retained from the squad that won the title in England eight years ago.
The third and final player returning to the setup from the 2017 triumph is Fakhar Zaman, who is making a comeback after a fallout with the PCB over a social media post in October 2024. Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel are also included in the Shaheen’s 15-player roster and will feature in the ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa ahead of the commencement of the Champions Trophy.
One of the major talking points is the exclusion of the highly-rated batsman Saim Ayub, who has been in impressive form lately, scoring two centuries against the Proteas last month. Ayub sustained an ankle injury during Pak’s second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, and while there were hopes that he would be able to return in time for the Champions Trophy, the PCB has now confirmed that the opener is facing an extended period on the sidelines.
The omission of Sufiyan Muqeem from Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad has arguably sparked the most debate, especially after his strong showing against South Africa where he took four wickets. However, there are widespread reports that given the backlash of his exclusion, the PCB is considering a late shuffle that could see Muqeem called up before the tournament commences at the expense of Tayyab Tahir.
Usman Khan’s call-up as the second wicket-keeper is another that has raised more than a few eyebrows, while onlookers have also been left scratching their heads over the PCB’s decision to select a solitary specialist spinner in the form of Abrar Ahmed, considering that the surfaces in Pakistan are likely to favour slower bowling. Notably, Test captain Shan Masood has missed the cut despite an impressive 145-run knock in Cape Town but Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel will feature in the 15-man setup.
Pak Squad and Schedule for 2025 Champions Trophy
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
- Pakistan vs New Zealand - (National Stadium Karachi, Karachi City | Feb 19, 09:00)
- Pakistan vs India - (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Feb 23, 09:00)
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh - (Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | Feb 27, 09:00)
