Khashif Talks Unlock Knowledge & Explore with Khashif Talks!
Pakistan Squad Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Tri-Nation Series
Pakistan’s 15-member squad has kicked off its preparations for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, and Pakistan will be hosting a tri-nation ODI series from February 8 to 14, with New Zealand and South Africa participating.
Starting February 4, the national squad will engage in training sessions, with their first session held at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground. Additional practice sessions are scheduled for February 5 and 6, leading up to the final session on February 8, the eve of the tri-nation series.
This series is vital for Pakistan as they look to defend their title in the Champions Trophy 2025, with the format being a single-league format. The final will take place in Karachi on February 14.
Fakhar Zaman’s Opening Partner: Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel?
Fakhar Zaman, who returned to the ODI squad after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, will open the innings for Pakistan. However, with Saim Ayub out due to an ankle injury and Abdullah Shafique not making the squad, Fakhar’s opening partner is still up for discussion.
Asad Shafiq, the national selector, revealed that Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel are the leading contenders to join Fakhar at the top. The final decision will be made after considering factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy.
🗣 “Fakhar Zaman’s return is a significant boost for our top-order. His aggressive approach and match-winning capabilities are vital to our plans. Likewise, Saud Shakeel has been drafted to further bolster the batting. He has a rich vein of form in Test cricket, especially in home conditions,” said Shafiq.
Shafiq added that Babar Azam, who has experience opening in T20Is and performed admirably in the Cape Town Test, is also an option to open alongside Fakhar.
Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025
The squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy includes:
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Looking Ahead: Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan squad will use the tri-nation series as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which kicks off on February 19. With the team aiming to defend their title, every practice session and match will be crucial in shaping their performance for the upcoming tournament.
