Pakistan submit initial squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan are all set to host upcoming Champions Trophy in February-March alongside UAE. The marquee event will kick off on February 19, with the final to be played on March 9. Ahead of the start of the tournament, the PCB’s selection committee submitted the preliminary squad to the ICC, including Saim Ayub, who is currently in London for treatment after picking up an injury against South Africa in the Cape Town Test earlier this month.

Furthermore, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufyan Maqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah, and Abbas Afridi are also a part of the initial squad.  

The squad is likely to be finalised on February 10, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan expected to be left out.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan’s predicted squad

Pakistan kick off Champions Trophy 2025 with clash against New Zealand

Pakistan will play the curtain raiser of the event against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium on February 19. They will take on India in the much-anticipated clash of the tournament in Dubai on February 23, followed by the Bangladesh fixture in Rawalpindi on February 27.

After their early exit from the ODI World Cup 2023 and the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan will hope for an improved performance in the Champions Trophy, more so since they are hosting the tournament. The Men in Green will look to make the most of the home advantage and get their hands on the title once again. 

Pakistan initial squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufyan Maqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah, and Abbas Afridi

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Full Schedule

19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan

23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai

24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan

27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai

4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai

5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, when it will be played in Dubai)

10 March, Reserve day