Aus, S. Africa name CT squads

Injured captain Pat Cummins named in the Aussies squad

Australia and South Africa on Monday announced their 15-member preliminary squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

For Australia, key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood included despite being rested for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Cummins, currently on paternity leave, is set to undergo scans for an ankle issue that lingered throughout Australia's 3-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar series.

Meanwhile, Hazlewood continues to recover from a calf injury sustained during the home Test series against India. Chief selector and former Australian captain George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad's experience and balance.

"This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series," said chief of selectors, George Bailey.

"It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan," he added.

The pace attack features Nathan Ellis alongside veteran Mitchell Starc, while Adam Zampa remains the sole frontline spinner.

All-rounders Aaron Hardie and Matthew Short have earned their places in the squad, adding depth and versatility.

Wicketkeeping duties will primarily be handled by Alex Carey, who retains his spot after a strong return to the ODI side last September against England.

Carey also provides backup for Josh Inglis, who is recovering from a calf strain. Australia's squad can be modified up until the tournament's commencement, per ICC rules.

Australia is placed in Group B and will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan next month. They are set to face England on February 22, South Africa on February 25, and Afghanistan on February 28.

Australia's Squad: Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampafnasd

Nortje, Ngidi return

South Africa on Monday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE, with Temba Bavuma named as captain.

After finishing as runners-up in last year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup and reaching the final of the World Test Championship 2023-25, the team is ready for another major challenge.

The squad is strengthened by the return of key pace bowlers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi.

Nortje's inclusion marks his return to ODI cricket following recovery from a stress fracture in his back, which had kept him out since September 2023. This injury forced him to miss the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and South Africa's home summer.

Lungi Ngidi also makes his comeback to the international fold after being sidelined since October 2024 due to a groin injury.

South Africa has largely retained the core group of players that led them to the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with 10 of the 15 members from that squad included for the Champions Trophy.

New faces in the squad include Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder, all set to make their debuts at a 50-over ICC event.

The South African squad will open their Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan next month, with fixtures against Afghanistan on February 21, Australia on February 25 and England on March 1.

South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Afghanistan name squad for ICC CT

Afghanistan is set to make history with their debut in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named a strong 15-member squad for the tournament.

The team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, will look to continue their impressive performances from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and last year's T20 World Cup, where they reached the semifinals.

The return of opener Ibrahim Zadran is a significant boost for the team. Zadran, who missed action due to an ankle injury, will partner with Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of the batting order. Along with the 15-member squad, Afghanistan has named three reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, and Bilal Sami, to provide additional options during the tournament.

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami.