The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled in Pakistan, however, there is a big question if they would be able to host the event given India's hesitancy in touring the country for the showpiece event. A similar situation arrived in 2022 when India refused to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan and the tournament was played in a hybrid model, with a few games in Pakistan and all major games in Sri Lanka.
Whether or not the tournament is played in Pakistan, the Men in Green will stay as the official host of the tournament. Pakistan's performance in the previous two ICC events has not been great. The team was knocked out before the semifinal in the ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup campaign was even worse as the team couldn't go past the group stage after losing to India and USA.
Pakistan would eye a better show in the Champions Trophy. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi took a strict stance after the T20 World Cup debacle and said that non- performers will be dropped from the Pakistan team. A glimpse of the same was seen when the team dropped Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the second Test against Bangladesh. The Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy could see a blend of experienced players and a few new faces.
Pakistan's Predicted Squad For The ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan have made some bizarre calls when it comes to selection for the world events, however, the twin setbacks must have taught them a lesson. If we talk about players who are certain to play the Champions Trophy if the squad is picked now then Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf should find a place.
Pakistan would also want to have game changer like Fakhar Zaman in the squad. Young guns like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris will also be in the fray given their flamboyant styles while Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel should also find a place. The conditions will be favourable for spinners and Pakistan would want to have a match-winning spinner in the team so Abrar Ahmed will have a great chance of getting a shot in the Pakistan ODI team.
Shadab Khan's form has not been great so Salman Ali Agha could be a great spin all-round option. As for the back-up pacers, Khurram Shahzad looks a promising player while Aamer Jamal will also be on radar.
Babar has not been able to deliver results as captain so PCB may think about handing over the leadership reins to someone like Rizwan given his success in PSL.
Pakistan's Likely Squad For ICC Champions Trophy: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Haseebullah Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Aamer Jamal