ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Know Pakistan's squad, captain and vice-captain

Pakistan are currently engaged in a home tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, using it as a crucial preparation phase ahead of the Champions Trophy. However, they started the series on a disappointing note with a loss against New Zealand, making their upcoming clash against the Proteas a must-win encounter. 

A defeat would see them eliminated from the tri-series, raising further concerns about their form heading into the marquee tournament. Mohammad Rizwan has been handed the captaincy duties for the Champions Trophy, a major responsibility as Pakistan aim to defend their title. 

In the last edition of the tournament in 2017, they famously defeated arch-rivals India in the final to lift the trophy in England. This time, with the event being played on home soil—except for their matches against India, which will take place in Dubai due to the agreed hybrid model—the expectations on Rizwan and his team are immense.

Rizwan struggled in the opening match against New Zealand, both as a batter and a captain. His bowling changes were questioned as the Kiwis posted a massive 330-run total. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for just 252, with Rizwan managing only three runs. 

However, before this series, he had shown good form in South Africa, scoring two consecutive fifties in a three-match ODI series. Fans will be hoping he finds his rhythm quickly, as a dip in form with the bat could directly affect his captaincy as well.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha has been in decent touch, scoring 40 runs in the first match of the tri-series, though he went wicketless with the ball at an economy rate of 6.64. He was one of Pakistan’s standout performers in South Africa, scoring 163 runs in three innings, including an 82-run knock, while also picking up five wickets, including a four-wicket haul. 

His all-round abilities will be crucial for Pakistan’s chances, whether on the spin-friendly tracks of Pakistan or in Dubai. Babar Azam was pushed up to open the innings in the absence of the injured Saim Ayub, who has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy. 

However, Babar also scored two consecutive ODI fifties in South Africa, and Pakistan will need him to find his touch soon. Fakhar Zaman provided some positive signs with a brilliant 84-run knock in the first game. 

Meanwhile, players like Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah need to step up with the bat to provide more stability to the middle order. Pakistan’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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

Captain: Mohammad Rizwan.

Vice captain: Not named.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!