The ultimate date for naming the provisional squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is January 12, and groups are racing towards time to finalize their line-ups. The event, beginning February 19, will probably be hosted in a hybrid mannequin, with Pakistan as the first host and India’s matches performed within the UAE resulting from political tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI). This distinctive association has added intrigue to what guarantees to be a aggressive event.
Pakistan’s preparation for the Champions Trophy
The ninth version of the ICC Champions Trophy is of paramount significance for Pakistan. They’ll enter the event because the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2017 in England, defeating India within the closing. With their new white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, main the facet, Pakistan has displayed spectacular type, not too long ago whitewashing each Australia and South Africa in ODI collection. Nevertheless, damage issues to some key gamers might impression their marketing campaign on residence soil. Pakistan will look to capitalize on the flat batting tracks at residence, however their success depends upon fielding a match and balanced squad.
Right here’s predicted Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025
1. Saim Ayub (High Order Batter)
One of many standout gamers for Pakistan in latest months, Saim Ayub, faces an unsure highway to the Champions Trophy. The younger left-hander, who has taken the cricketing world by storm along with his phenomenal type in ODIs, suffered a fractured ankle in the course of the second Check towards South Africa. This damage has dominated him out for no less than six weeks, casting doubt over his participation.
Ayub’s ODI Performances
- Matches Performed: 9
- Centuries: 3
- Fifties: 1
- Current Contributions: Saim was instrumental in Pakistan’s collection win towards South Africa, scoring 235 runs in his final three ODIs.
If Saim stays unfit, Pakistan may lose a key participant who has confirmed his mettle on flat batting tracks. Even when he regains health simply earlier than the event, a scarcity of match follow might restrict his effectiveness. In his absence, Imam-ul-Haq or Fakhar Zaman anticipated to step in as an opener alongside Abdullah Shafique.
2. Abdullah Shafique (High-Order Batter)
Shafique is understood for his composed batting method and talent to anchor the innings. With stable performances in Check and ODI cricket, he’s a dependable possibility on the prime of the order. His adaptability to totally different circumstances will probably be important on flat and spin-friendly tracks. Shafique’s position will probably be essential in offering Pakistan with regular begins within the Champions Trophy.
3. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Rizwan’s consistency and management make him a key determine for Pakistan. As the brand new white-ball captain, Rizwan has excelled in guiding the crew and sustaining his type with the bat. His wicketkeeping expertise add an edge, making him an entire bundle. Rizwan’s skill to stabilize the innings underneath stress will probably be invaluable in high-stakes matches.
4. Babar Azam (High-Order Batter)
Babar Azam, one of many world’s greatest batters, will carry the load of Pakistan’s batting hopes. His beautiful stroke play and consistency make him the spine of the batting lineup. Babar thrives in ODI cricket, and his performances in ICC occasions have all the time been noteworthy. His expertise and calm demeanor will probably be essential in navigating powerful conditions.
5. Irfan Khan (High-Order Batter)
Irfan Khan, a promising expertise, provides depth to Pakistan’s prime order. With a robust home file, he has proven the flexibility to play lengthy innings and deal with stress. His elegant batting type and knack for constructing partnerships make him a priceless asset. Irfan’s inclusion affords Pakistan flexibility in shaping their batting technique.
Additionally READ: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman predicts his 4 semifinalists of Champions Trophy 2025
6. Tayyab Tahir (Center-Order Batter)
Tayyab Tahir is an aggressive middle-order batter with a status for ending video games. Identified for his skill to counterattack, he can shift the momentum in Pakistan’s favor in the course of the center overs. His adaptability to totally different conditions and spin-hitting prowess are key strengths. Tahir’s position will probably be important in accelerating the run price when required.
7. Usman Khan (Center-Order Batter)
Usman Khan brings explosiveness to Pakistan’s center order along with his attacking batting type. His skill to clear boundaries and deal with high-pressure conditions is a major asset. Usman’s latest performances in limited-overs cricket have solidified his place within the squad. He’s anticipated to play the position of a game-changer in crunch moments.
8. Salman Agha (All-Rounder)
Salman Agha affords a balanced mixture of stable batting and off-spin bowling. His versatility permits Pakistan to keep up flexibility in crew composition. Salman’s skill to play essential innings within the lower-middle order and bowl economical overs makes him a key asset. His efficiency within the Champions Trophy might present the crew with important breakthroughs.
9. Kamran Ghulam (Center-Order Batter)
Kamran Ghulam is a reliable batter who brings stability to the decrease center order. His skill to rotate the strike and speed up when wanted provides depth to the lineup. Kamran’s constant home performances make him a participant to look at. He might play a pivotal position in constructing partnerships and ending video games.
10. Mohammad Hasnain (Quick Bowler)
Mohammad Hasnain’s uncooked tempo and talent to extract bounce make him a risk on any floor. His knack for taking early wickets will probably be essential in Pakistan’s bowling assault. Hasnain’s latest enhancements in management and variations add to his effectiveness. He’ll play a key position in unsettling opposition batters along with his fiery spells.
11. Sufiyan Muqeem (Left-Arm Wrist Spinner)
Sufiyan Muqeem is a younger and gifted left-arm wrist spinner who has impressed along with his accuracy. His skill to include runs and choose up wickets within the center overs will probably be important on spin-friendly tracks. Muqeem’s variation and management make him a priceless addition to the squad. His efficiency within the Champions Trophy might set up him as a rising star.
12. Haris Rauf (Quick Bowler)
Haris Rauf is Pakistan’s go-to bowler for tempo and aggression. His skill to bowl at excessive speeds and ship correct yorkers makes him deadly on the dying. Rauf’s knack for selecting up essential wickets underneath stress has been an indicator of his profession. His position in main the tempo assault alongside Shaheen Afridi will probably be pivotal.
13. Usama Mir (Leg-Spinner)
Usama Mir is an attacking leg-spinner who brings a wicket-taking choice to the center overs. His skill to deceive batters with flight and sharp flip makes him a key participant. Usama’s latest performances have showcased his match-winning potential in white-ball cricket. He’ll play an important position in breaking partnerships in the course of the Champions Trophy.
14. Naseem Shah (Quick Bowler)
Naseem Shah’s deadly tempo and swing make him a formidable bowler with the brand new ball. His skill to bowl constant strains and lengths provides management to Pakistan’s assault. Naseem has emerged as a reliable bowler in ICC occasions and stress conditions. His partnership with Shaheen Afridi will probably be essential in dismantling opposition prime orders.
15. Shaheen Afridi (Quick Bowler)
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s spearhead, is understood for his skill to strike early with the brand new ball. His lethal inswingers and pinpoint yorkers make him a match-winner in ODIs. Shaheen’s performances in ICC tournaments have constantly been top-notch. As a senior bowler, his position will probably be instrumental in main the tempo assault.