Pat Cummins will captain Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, as the team aims to end a 15-year title drought in the tournament. The eight-team event will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.  

The squad features 15 players, including newcomers Matt Short and Aaron Hardie, who are making their ICC event debut, and Nathan Ellis, rewarded for his strong performances in the Big Bash League. The trio replaces retired David Warner, injured Cameron Green, and Sean Abbott, who missed out.  

Australia’s selection chair, George Bailey, highlighted the squad’s depth, saying, “It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan.”  

Cummins’ inclusion was uncertain due to an ankle injury and personal commitments, but he will lead the side. His wife is expecting their second child, and he has opted out of the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series to prepare.  

Josh Hazlewood, another key bowler, also returns after recovering from a calf injury. Both Cummins and Hazlewood were absent from the Test squad traveling to Sri Lanka later this month.  

Matt Short and Aaron Hardie bring versatility to the team. Short has been a consistent performer since replacing Warner in 2023, while Hardie has represented Australia in 11 ODIs. Nathan Ellis, known for his skill with the white ball, adds strength to the bowling attack.  

The squad also includes experienced players like Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa, who played pivotal roles in Australia’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 victory.  

Australia, placed in Group B, will face tough competition. They start their campaign against England in Lahore on February 22, followed by matches against South Africa in Rawalpindi on February 25 and Afghanistan in Lahore on February 28.  

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa