PCB is expected to reveal the squads for both the Tri-Nation ODI Series and the Champions Trophy within the first three days of February
Pakistan is the only team yet to announce its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19. As per ICC regulations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must finalize its squad by February 11 for the tournament.
The delay in the announcement is reportedly due to uncertainty surrounding young left-handed batter Saim Ayub. The promising player sustained an injury during the recent Test series against South Africa and is currently recovering in London. He is expected to return to Pakistan in early February, and the PCB is giving him every opportunity to prove his fitness. If Ayub is unable to recover in time, experienced batter Shan Masood is likely to replace him, while Fakhar Zaman may also make a comeback to the team.
According to sources, the PCB is expected to reveal the squads for both the Tri-Nation ODI Series and the Champions Trophy within the first three days of February. The Tri-Nation Series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, begins on February 8 and is seen as a vital preparatory event for the Champions Trophy.
The squad is likely to include key players, captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. Additionally, younger players like Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal are under consideration for selection. However, Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Hasnain are unlikely to make the final cut due to intense competition for spots.
The ICC Champions Trophy will be held across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. Pakistan’s campaign will begin with a match against New Zealand on February 19, followed by a high-profile clash against arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai.