Pakistan's likely squad for CT2025

They are the only team left to announce their squad for the tournament

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalizing its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held next month.

Sources say that before the tournament, Pakistan will play a tri-nation series with South Africa and New Zealand.

A key decision yet to be made is whether Saim Ayub will be included in the squad. Ayub is recovering from an ankle injury, and his participation depends on whether he is fit in time. If he is cleared, the same squad will play in both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy. If he isn't ready, selectors have a backup plan in place.

Selectors have also decided that opener Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan will not be part of the squad. However, Fakhar Zaman has already secured his place. The selection of Imam-ul-Haq and the emerging Haseebullah is still under discussion.

The squad will include key players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan. In bowling, Pakistan will rely on its strong pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, along with Mohammad Hasnain. Kamran Ghulam, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, and young Sufiyan Muqeem will provide additional support.

Pakistan is the only team yet to officially announce its squad for the Champions Trophy. While initial names have been sent to the ICC, the final list must be confirmed by February 11. The tri-series begins on February 8, leaving a small window for finalizing the team.

The Champions Trophy, which will run from February 19 to March 9, will be held at three venues in Pakistan and Dubai. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi. A highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India will take place on February 23 in Dubai.