Tag: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has questioned the national selectors over the squad chosen for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, raising concerns about the lack of consistency and planning in team selection.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series, involving New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday.

Following the announcement, Ahmed Shehzad took to his official X (formerly Twitter) and raised concerns over a few decisions, particularly the inclusion of one specialist spinner in the line-up.

“Only one genuine spinner in Champions Trophy squad and you are playing in Pakistan and UAE are you serious?” he wrote.

Shehzad also expressed his surprise at the uncertainty surrounding the opening combination of Pakistan.

“2 new openers will be playing directly in Champions Trophy; Fakhar making a comeback and we still don’t know who will open with him,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He further raised concerns over the inclusion of Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf, both of whom earned recalls, despite having little to no recent 50-over experience.

“Faheem & Usman make there way back in the team from T20 tournament happening in Bangladesh without playing any ODI cricket in recent past for the country. Are you guys for real?” he stated.

Another selection call that left Shehzad baffled was the inclusion of Saud Shakeel, questioning where he would even fit in the playing XI.

“And where are you willing to adjust Saud Shakeel? Another one came directly into the champions trophy squad,” he remarked.

Despite his strong criticism, Ahmed Shehzad ended his remarks on a positive note, expressing his unwavering support for the national team.

“All the best Team Pakistan. Besides all the blunders our prayers still will be with you,” he concluded.

READ: Rashid Khan equals Dwayne Bravo’s T20 record

LAHORE: The glittering ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy will begin its second leg of the Pakistan tour today with a trip to Sheikhupura’s historical Hiran Minar complex.

The prestigious silverware returned to the host country, Pakistan, on Thursday after completing its world tour. During the second leg, the trophy will be taken to ten different cities across Pakistan in 14 days.

The global trophy tour ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began in Pakistan on 16 November after which the trophy was taken to the seven participating countries from 26 November to 26 January.

In its second leg, apart from Sheikhupura, the trophy will be taken to Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The trophy will also grace the newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 8 February during the tri-nation series opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Some of the iconic destinations where the trophy will be taken to during these 14 days include Multan Fort, Bahawalpur’s Noor Mahal, Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium, Karachi’s National Stadium, Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium and Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The global trophy tour will conclude in Karachi on 14 February. The opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand on 19 February.

READ: Former pacer warns about decline of fast bowling in Pakistan

Asad Shafiq, a member of the Pakistan selection committee, opened up about the opening pair for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI events, however, Fakhar Zaman was the only specialized opening batter in the line-up.

It’s worth noting that Saim and Abdullah Shafique opened the innings for Pakistan in the ODI series against Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

However, Saim was ruled out of the tri-nation ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury sustained during the tour of South Africa, while Abdullah was dropped due to his below-par form.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Asad Shafiq has revealed that either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel will be promoted to form the opening pair for Pakistan with Fakhar during the upcoming events.

“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy,” Asad stated in the PCB press release.

“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.”

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Hina Munawar (team operations manager), Aqib Javed (interim head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Shahid Aslam (batting coach), Mohammad Masroor (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (spin bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saiman (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Butt (analyst), Irtiza Komail (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media and digital manager) and Sergio Basil Mullins (masseur).

READ: Pakistan name squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series, involving New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The PCB has until 11 February to make any changes to the squad; thereafter, replacements will only be permitted on medical grounds, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technical Committee.

There are four changes in the 15-player Pakistan squad that last played an ODI series in South Africa late last year.

Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel.

The squad, to be captained by Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side – Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman.

Babar and Fakhar, along with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel had also featured in the last 50-over ICC event – the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023.

Following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan has played three ODI series, defeating 50-over world champions Australia 2-1, Zimbabwe 2-1 and South Africa 3-0.

Top-order batter Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against India, makes a comeback after overcoming injury and illness that had sidelined him from international cricket since June 2024.

Fakhar demonstrated his return to complete fitness and form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024 in December, where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at an impressive strike rate of over 132.

In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has scored 3,492 runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 93.4.

Pakistan Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has been rewarded for his consistent and strong performances in home Tests by earning a place in the side.

The left-hander played his 15th and last ODI against England in Kolkata in the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup 2023 but has scored 577 runs in 13 Test innings at home this season with two centuries and two half-centuries against Bangladesh, England and the West Indies

All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah were recalled to the 50-over squad, adding versatility and providing captain Mohammad Rizwan with additional options.

Faheem’s 34th and last ODI was in September 2023 and since then he has been one of the most consistent domestic performers across all formats, while Khushdil last represented Pakistan in ODIs in August 2022.

Khushdil has earned the selectors’ nod after scoring 176 runs in the Champions One-Day Cup as well as scoring 132 runs and taking nine wickets in the Champions T20 Cup.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The selectors have continued to adopt a horses-for-courses approach in assembling this squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” said Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee.

“Our focus has been on selecting players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions, demonstrating their readiness to perform in a global event.

“One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility – an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket.

“We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal.”

The tri-nation ODI series will be played on a single-league basis from 8 to 14 February, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting the opening two matches and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium staging the final league match and the final.

Meanwhile, the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Hina Munawar (team operations manager), Aqib Javed (interim head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Shahid Aslam (batting coach), Mohammad Masroor (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (spin bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saiman (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Butt (analyst), Irtiza Komail (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media and digital manager) and Sergio Basil Mullins (masseur).

READ: PCB finalizes schedule for Champions Trophy opening ceremony: sources

LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket (PCB) on Friday said that Gaddafi Stadium will be inaugurated on February 7 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi discussed the key developments regarding the Champions Trophy and the progress of stadium construction.

Mohsin Naqvi also announced the dates of the inauguration of Qaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Bank Stadium Karachi ahead of the mega event.

“Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] will inaugurate Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium on February 7 and President [Asif Ali Zardari] will inaugurate Karachi’s stadium on February 11,” Naqvi stated.

“We have scheduled a Champions Trophy ceremony for February 16 in Lahore in collaboration with the ICC,” the PCB chief said.

He further stated about the stadium’s construction timeline and also thanked the people who had been critical of the project.

”The stadium’s construction began in October and today its progress is in front of you.”We appreciate the critics,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Naqvi also revealed about holding a meeting with the selection committee, saying that the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be announced later today.

He further briefed about extending invitations to the ICC officials and all cricket boards including the Board of Control for Cricket in India to visit for the games.

“Some of them plan to arrive for the semi-final while others plan to visit Pakistan for the final. The schedule for their arrival differs, but a lot of guests are coming to Pakistan,” Chairman PCB said.

Responding to the questions about chairs at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi said that high-quality chairs were imported from China۔

“The chairs are five times cheaper and of international standard with a warranty of 20 years,” Naqvi said.

READ: Former England cricketer names Pakistan as favorites for Champions Trophy 2025

Former England Test cricketer Ryan Sidebottom termed Pakistan as favourite for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

In an exclusive conversation with ARY News, Sidebottom termed the Pakistan team as favourites for the upcoming mega event which will commence on 19th February. However, he will support his home country in the Champions Trophy 2025.

“Pakistan will have an advantage of home conditions and are among the favourites for the tournament,” said Sidebottom. “As an Englishman, I will support the England team,” he stated.

While talking about Pakistani bowlers, Sidebottom emphasized the role of hard work in success for their continued success.

“If Pakistani bowlers work harder they can achieve great success,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

During the conversation, the former pacer also revealed his admiration for Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram.

“I am a fan of Wasim Akram and have learned a lot from him,” he added.

Ryan Sidebottom further highlighted the importance of mental strength and fitness in cricket.

“Pakistani players need to be mentally strong along with maintaining their fitness,” he concluded.

The former English cricketer arrived in Pakistan last Friday to serve as the bowling coach in a private cricket coaching Project.

The initiative aims to nurture young cricketing talent across the country, with the first phase focusing on under-17 players and the second phase dedicated to under-19 cricketers.

READ: Australia suffer major blow ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised the schedule for the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring a grand launch for the prestigious tournament.

According to reliable sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given final approval for all planned events, with high-profile dignitaries expected to attend.

The first major event will take place on February 7 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to be the chief guest.

The celebrations will then move to the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, on February 11, with President Asif Ali Zardari expected to attend.

The main Champions Trophy opening ceremony is scheduled for February 16 at Hazoori Bagh, Lahore, where top government officials, legendary cricketers, and ICC representatives will be present.

It’s worth noting that the England cricket team is set to arrive in Pakistan on February 18, followed by Australia on February 19.

Due to their delayed arrival, the official photoshoot has been cancelled, and the joint press conference of all captains will no longer take place.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, sources confirm that all captains will be required to attend individual pre-match press conferences ahead of their respective matches.

It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

The eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.

In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host Champions Trophy 2025 matches. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.

Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed to represent Pakistan Champions in WCL Season 2

Pakistan pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has recently reminisced about the country’s historic triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, vividly looking back at the electrifying final match against India.

In a recent ICC video, Afridi shared that he was playing for the Pakistan U19 team at that time and it was one of the most special moments in the country’s cricket history.

“I was playing for Pakistan U-19 when we won the Champions Trophy in 2017. I watched that game on TV, and it was a special moment for our country,” he stated.

Shaheen Afridi also expressed his desire to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and don the iconic white jacket, while praising Mohammad Amir and Fakhar Zaman for their performance in the 2017 final.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I want us to wear that white coat again after the final this time. I can never forget Fakhar Zaman’s innings, which changed the game completely, and Mohammad Amir’s spell,” he added.

“Everyone contributed to the win, but those performances stand out. I believe it was a team effort, and we need that again. We want to win the title once more and keep the trophy at home.”

For the unversed, Mohammad Amir wreaked havoc on India’s top order in the Champions Trophy 2017 final, dismissing the star-studded trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, to help Pakistan achieve one of the most glorious feats in history.

Amir’s sensational figures of 3 for 16 in six overs helped the Green Shirts to bowl out India for 158 after Fakhar Zaman’s century helped Pakistan set a mammoth 339-run target.

READ: Virat Kohli declines captaincy ahead of Ranji Trophy return: reports

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday revealed that the tickets for the Pakistan leg of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will go on sale from 28 January.

“Fans can now secure their place at the unmissable ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, taking place in Pakistan with India’s matches in the UAE from 19 February to 9 March,” the ICC stated in a press release.

“Tickets for group stage matches and the second semi-final to be played in Pakistan will go on general sale here on Tuesday, 28 January, at 13h00 Gulf Standard Time (GST) / 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST).”

General stand ticket prices will start from 1,000 PKR, with more premium seating available from 1,500 PKR in different categories including, across the 10 matches taking place in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Physical tickets will also be available for purchase from 3 February at designated TCS Express centres across Pakistan, with details to be announced in due course.

Ticket information for India matches to be played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 20 and 23 February and 2 March, will follow shortly.

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Final tickets – to be played on Sunday 9 March – will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.

The thrilling two-week competition will see the world’s top eight teams put it all on the line in 15 intense matches across 19 days, with every match counting in the pursuit of the iconic white jackets.

Anurag Dahiya, the ICC Chief Commercial Officer, has expressed his excitement while announcing the details of the ticket sale. He termed it a significant moment for Pakistan as the country is set to host their first-ever ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.

“We are thrilled to announce the official ticket on-sale for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. This is a significant moment for cricket in Pakistan, hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996,” said Dahiya.

“The Champions Trophy promises to be an unmissable event where every match counts showcasing exciting cricket, featuring the world’s best teams competing for the coveted white jackets.

“We encourage fans to not miss out and get their tickets now for the first Champions Trophy since 2017.”

Meanwhile, Sumair Ahmad Syed, the tournament director of the Champions Trophy, acknowledged that this tournament will be a memorable event for fans in Pakistan as they will be witnessing the world’s best players in action.

“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a monumental event, first in Pakistan since 1996, offering cricket fans an unparalleled chance to witness the game’s finest stars live in action as they vie for one of the most coveted trophies in cricket,” he stated.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“With Pakistan’s state-of-the-art, newly upgraded stadiums as the stage, this short and sharp tournament in which every match counts promises unforgettable moments of skill, passion and drama.

Syed stated that ticket prices have been made affordable so that fans from all walks of life can enjoy the live tournament action.

“The affordable ticket pricing ensures that fans from all walks of life can be part of this historic spectacle, making it a celebration for all generations of cricket lovers,” he added.

“This is a unique opportunity for families to come together, for parents to introduce their children to the magic of live cricket and to inspire a lifelong love for the sport. The energy, excitement and unforgettable memories of watching world-class cricket from the stands will be truly priceless.

“We have made tickets not only affordable but also easily accessible through the official online platform and more than 100 outlets across Pakistan. I urge all fans to secure their tickets only through this authorised channel to ensure a smooth experience.

“Join us in supporting the competing teams, including Pakistan, as they aim to defend their title on home soil. Let’s unite, celebrate, and make this tournament a resounding success!”

WATCH: Shan Masood engages in heated exchange with journalist questioning his future

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has raised concerns about the rumors suggesting that Babar Azam might open the innings in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The announcement of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy is just around the corner, sparking various rumors in the media.

There are speculations that Babar Azam will take on the role of Pakistan’s opening batter in the absence of Saim Ayub, who suffered an unfortunate ankle injury during the second Test against South Africa.

However, Salman Butt believes such a move would not only be unfair to Babar but could also backfire strategically.

“I hope it’s only a rumor, and the selectors are not thinking this way because it’s unfair and, strategically, it can backfire,” said Butt in a video on his YouTube channel.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We used proper openers in the difficult conditions, and now when we are going to play in suitable conditions where batters can score runs, where Pakistan needs a good start from the top and stability in the middle overs.

“Babar Azam can provide that stability [in the middle-order] to last in 50-over cricket.”

He further questioned the selectors’ thought process, highlighting the lack of a solid middle-order backup for Babar.

“Why are you trying to expose Babar early? Do we even have a backup for him in the middle order? Didn’t we see in the South Africa series how crucial Babar and Rizwan’s partnerships in the middle were?” he questioned.

“I think we should go with proper openers, and Babar Azam should play at his usual position. That’s where he’s proven to be most effective.”

READ: Noman Ali becomes first spinner to achieve THIS feat