Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, selecting only one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed. The decision to rely on a single frontline spinner could be a significant talking point, especially with the tournament set to be played in spin-friendly conditions.
Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, and Imam-ul-Haq have been dropped, while all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, along with opener Fakhar Zaman, have been recalled. The squad will also compete in the home tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand.
Pakistan were the last team to unveil their squad, with the other seven participating nations already having named their squads. The defending champions will be led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who will be eyeing his first ICC trophy as captain.
Despite having an inexperienced ODI lineup, Pakistan have gone with a spin-bowling unit featuring only Abrar Ahmed, who has played just four ODIs. The decision to exclude a second specialist spinner, particularly in a tournament where pitches could assist turn, puts extra responsibility on part-time options like Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah.
The pace attack, in contrast, is well-stocked with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah. However, the team’s spin options remain a potential weak spot, especially against opponents adept at playing pace.
Meanwhile, Saim Ayub was unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from the ankle injury sustained during the Cape Town Test against South Africa.
“We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form. However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions,” revealed National Selection Committee member Asad Shafiq.
Pakistan will open their campaign against New Zealand in Karachi on 19 February, followed by a high-profile clash against India in Dubai on 23 February. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on 27 February.
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.