Mohammad Rizwan has been named as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The veteran opener Fakhar Zaman makes his return to the side as young batting sensation Saim Ayub missed out. Ayub had injured himself during the recent tour of South Africa which meant he was excluded from the squad.
Former batter Asad Shafiq who is part of Pakistan’s selection committee, after announcing the team, said “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."
Asad Shafiq was also asked who will open the batting with Fakhar Zaman during the upcoming event. The former Pakistan star replied “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." Further added Asad Shafiq
Mohsin Naqvi slams India on reports of Stadiums not being ready
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media and attacked India over reports that the stadiums weren’t ready. Mohsin Naqvi stressed that the stadiums will be ready in time before the event kicks off on 19th February.
Naqvi while speaking to the media, said “They were people from across the border and even others who kept on saying it looks like the Champions Trophy would be moved out of Pakistan as stadiums are not going to be ready on time. But I can announce today we are set to go for the tri-series and Champions Trophy,”
The PCB chief also added “Facilities for teams, officials, broadcasters, and media have all been upgraded and are complete. We will have the inauguration ceremony for the tournament on the 16th in Lahore. The captains' conference or the photoshoots will not be possible for the ICC or us because of the hectic travelling schedules of some teams."
“We have asked the ICC to refrain from providing us with the usual tickets and passes given to the host country. Instead, they are paying us the corresponding amount. There was criticism as the work progressed on these venues but we took it in stride and there was also some good advice and feedback that helped us a lot in achieving our target,” the PCB chief further added.
Here's a look at Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Kushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.