'2017 Final Hero' Returns As Pakistan Announce 15-Man Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan CT Squad 2025: The hosts have announced their squad for the 2025 edition, as their '2017 Final Hero' makes a sensational return to the side. Read below.

Fakhar Zaman scored an iconic century against India in the 2017 Final, as Pakistan won their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy

Source : @X/ICC

Pakistan CT Squad 2025: Pakistan have announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the co-hosts welcome back their '2017 Final Hero' Fakhar Zaman into the natio0nal set-up.

Last year, the Pakistan Cricket Board terminated the national contract of Fakhar Zaman, citing disciplinary issues behind the decision. However, the fan-favourite of the 'Men in Green' makes a sensational return to the side, as Pakistan dream of winning an ICC trophy for the first time in 8 years.

The side will be led by Mohammad Rizwan, and the vice-captain of the side will be all-rounder Salman Ali Agha. Pakistan have been dealt a huge blow, as star batsman Saim Ayub misses out on the tournament due to injury.

Pakistan's Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Batters:

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir.

All-rounders:

Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain).

Wicketkeepers:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Usman Khan.

Spinner:

Abrar Ahmed.

Fast bowlers:

Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan name ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Details here ➡️ https://t.co/XfswdRVWrO #WeHaveWeWill | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/kGA9hJr4dV

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) January 31, 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ winners announce squad for the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ event 🏆✨

How will you show your support for the Pakistan team❓#ChampionsTrophy | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/zDYPFuqzBU

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 31, 2025

Asad Shafiq Reflects On The Think-Tank Behind Latest Squad

Pakistan National Selection Committee member, Asad Shafiq, has reflected on the think-tank behind the selection of the 15 players who will represent Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, stating that the selection is entirely based upon 'players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions'.

Here's what he said:

"The selectors have continued to adopt a horses for courses approach in assembling this squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Our focus has been on selecting players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions, demonstrating their readiness to perform in a global event."

"One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility - an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket. We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal."

"The inclusion of emerging players like mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and middle-order batters Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir reflects our confidence in their ability to translate domestic success into international impact. These players have shown the temperament and skill to thrive in challenging environments and have a deep understanding of home conditions."

"Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin attack, supported by Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha, who offer reliable slow-bowling options, while Faheem Ashraf’s experience and presence gives us a fast-bowling all-rounder’s option."

"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 and capitalise on his rich vein of form in Test cricket, particularly in home conditions. Moreover, he is an experienced, intelligent and calculated batter who constructs his innings thoughtfully and excels at building partnerships."

"Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence."

"Saim Ayub has not been included in the squad due to an ankle injury, but we remain optimistic about his recovery. 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."

"The tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not only serve as preparation but also as a platform to refine our strategies under competitive conditions. It’s an excellent opportunity to give the players final touch-ups before defending the Champions Trophy at home."

🗣️ National selection committee member Asad Shafiq explains the strategy behind the Pakistan squad for ICC #ChampionsTrophy 2025 🏆

More details 👉 https://t.co/hrr0n2bx5P#WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/lsRrwZgxGt

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 31, 2025