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As Pakistan gears up to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), excitement and anticipation have gripped the nation’s cricketing circles. Set to kick off on February 19, the tournament will culminate with the final on March 9, offering Pakistan a golden opportunity to reclaim international glory.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Champions Trophy campaign for Pakistan will with a high-stakes clash against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 19. This will be followed by the highly anticipated showdown against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23, before facing Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27. Pakistan will be determined to perform better this time after recent early exits in the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024. Hosting the tournament on home soil brings an added layer of motivation, and the Men in Green will aim to leverage this advantage in their bid to reclaim the title.
Kamran Akmal predicts Pakistan’s 15-member squad
Former cricketer Kamran Akmal’s move of unveiling his 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy on social media platform X has stirred significant debate among cricket analysts and fans. The selection highlights key inclusions that could shape Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
Among the standout selections are left-handed openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Fakhar’s experience and aggressive style at the top are crucial for Pakistan’s opening combination. Meanwhile, Ayub’s inclusion sparks questions due to his injury during Pakistan’s recent Test campaign in South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to send Ayub to London for specialized treatment, leaving doubts about his availability for the Champions Trophy. Kamran further included Iman-Ul-Haq as another opener in his squad for Pakistan.
Also READ: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman predicts his four semifinalists of Champions Trophy 2025
Captaincy and batting depth
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been entrusted with leading the squad, a responsibility he carries with maturity and experience. The competition in the top order is intense, with Zaman, Saim and Imam vying for the opening spots. The middle order looks solid with stalwarts Babar Azam and Rizwan set to anchor at No. 3 and No. 4. Additionally, Kamran Ghulam, fresh off a stellar Test debut century, and powerful hitter Irfan Khan Niazi add depth to the batting lineup alongside all rounder Salman Ali Agha, giving Pakistan a well-rounded batting unit.
Strong bowling Attack with dependable spin options
Pakistan’s pace attack is spearheaded by the fiery Shaheen Afridi, supported by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who provide pace and aggression. With Mohammad Hasnain and all-rounder Aamer Jamal as backup options, the pace attack remains versatile and threatening across various conditions. The spin attack is equally formidable with left-arm chinaman bowler Sufiyan Muqeem and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who add strategic flexibility to Pakistan’s bowling options.
My 15 men 🇵🇰 squad for #CT2025
1.Fakhar Zaman
2.Saim Ayub
3.Babar Azam
4.M.Rizwan (c)
5.Salman Ali Agha
6.Kamran Ghulam
7.Aamer Jamal
8.Shaheen shah afridi
9.Haris Rauf
10.Naseem Shah
11.Abrar Ahmad
12.Imam ul Haq
13.Sufiyan Muqeem
14.M.Irfan Khan Niazi
15.M.Husnain
What’s yours?— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 15, 2025
