The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the action. The Pakistan cricket team, known for its unpredictability and flair, is gearing up to make a strong impression in the tournament. With a mix of experienced veterans and young talents, the squad is poised to challenge for the title. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Pakistan cricket team squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, including player roles, recent performances, and key statistics.
Pakistan Cricket Team Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a balanced squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. The team comprises a blend of explosive batsmen, reliable all-rounders, and lethal bowlers. Below is the complete list of players, their roles, and the number of centuries they have scored in international cricket (ODIs and T20Is).
| Player Name | Role | Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam (c) | Batsman | 31 |
| Mohammad Rizwan (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 12 |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batsman | 10 |
| Usman khan | Batsman | 9 |
| Saud Shakeel | Batsman | 2 |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-Rounder | 1 |
| Salman Agha | All-Rounder | 0 |
| Khushdil Shah | All-Rounder | 0 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler | 0 |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | 0 |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | 0 |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Bowler | 0 |
| Tayyab Tahir | Batsman | 3 |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | 0 |
| Kamran Ghulam | All-Rounder | 0 |
Key Players to Watch
1. Babar Azam (Captain)
Babar Azam, the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, will lead the team in the Champions Trophy 2025. With over 30 international centuries, Babar is one of the most consistent batsmen in world cricket. His ability to anchor the innings and play aggressive strokes when needed makes him a vital asset.
2. Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
Rizwan has been in phenomenal form over the past few years, both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. His aggressive yet calculated approach in the middle order has often turned games in Pakistan’s favor. With 12 centuries to his name, he is a key player in the squad.
3. Shaheen Afridi (Bowler)
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, is known for his ability to swing the ball at high speeds. His early breakthroughs with the new ball can dismantle any batting lineup. Shaheen’s performance will be crucial in Pakistan’s quest for the title.
4. Fakhar Zaman (Batsman)
Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner on his day. His aggressive batting style and ability to score big hundreds make him a dangerous player in the top order. Fakhar’s experience in ICC tournaments will be invaluable for the team.
5. Shadab Khan (All-Rounder)
Shadab Khan is a versatile all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. His leg-spin bowling and ability to score quick runs in the lower order make him a valuable asset in the squad.
Strengths of the Squad
- Explosive Batting Lineup: With players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan boasts a strong batting lineup capable of posting big totals.
- Versatile All-Rounders: The presence of Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. provides balance to the team.
- Lethal Bowling Attack: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah form a formidable pace attack, while Shadab Khan and Usama Mir add depth to the spin department.
Challenges Ahead
While the squad looks strong on paper, there are a few areas of concern:
- Middle-Order Consistency: The middle order has occasionally struggled under pressure, and the team will need players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel to step up.
- Injury Concerns: Key players like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have had injury issues in the past, and their fitness will be crucial.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan cricket team has all the ingredients to lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a perfect blend of youth and experience, the squad is well-equipped to take on the best teams in the world. Fans will be hoping for a repeat of their 2017 triumph, where Pakistan emerged as champions in a stunning fashion.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches, and don’t forget to support the Men in Green as they aim for glory!