The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed a 15-member squad for the upcoming tri-nation series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The squad, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, features four changes from the team that last played an ODI series in South Africa late last year.
Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel. Notably, the squad includes three players from Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team: Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Babar, Fakhar, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel also featured in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, makes a comeback after recovering from injury and illness that kept him out of international cricket since June 2024. He showcased his form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at a strike rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has amassed 3,492 runs, including 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries.
Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s Test vice-captain, earned his spot in the ODI squad following consistent performances in home Tests. Despite playing his last ODI in November 2023, Saud has scored 577 runs in 13 Test innings this season, including two centuries and two half-centuries.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah also return to the squad. Faheem, who last played an ODI in September 2023, has been a standout performer in domestic cricket. Khushdil, who last represented Pakistan in ODIs in August 2022, impressed selectors with his performances in the Champions One-Day Cup and Champions T20 Cup.
The PCB has until February 11 to make changes to the squad. After this date, replacements will only be allowed for medical reasons, subject to ICC approval.
The same squad will compete in the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, starting February 8 in Lahore and Karachi. The series serves as a warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19 and runs until March 9. Matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai, featuring 15 exciting encounters between eight teams.
Pakistan Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:
- 19 February: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
- 20 February: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai
- 21 February: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi
- 22 February: Australia vs. England, Lahore
- 23 February: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai
- 24 February: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- 25 February: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi
- 26 February: Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore
- 27 February: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
- 28 February: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore
- 1 March: South Africa vs. England, Karachi
- 2 March: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai
- 4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- 5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore
- 9 March: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)
- 10 March: Reserve day
All matches will be day-night encounters.