Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy awaits Saim Ayub’s recovery

LAHORE: Pakistan’s final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be decided based on the recovery of young batter Saim Ayub, sources revealed on Sunday. However, an initial draft of squad members will still be submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC) today as required.

As per ICC guidelines, participating teams must provide an initial list of players a month prior to the event. Adjustments can be made until Febru 11. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has no plans to announce a prelimin squad publicly, it will send the necess names to the ICC to comply with the regulations.

The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches from Febru 19 to March 9 across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.

Saim Ayub, an explosive left-handed opener, remains a pivotal player. His participation depends on his recovery from a twisted ankle while fielding during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Janu 3.

Sources suggest the Champions Trophy squad will largely align with the team participating in the tri-nation ODI series preceding the tournament. The series, scheduled from Febru 8 to 14 in Pakistan, involves New Zealand and South Africa alongside the hosts. Additionally, left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman is likely to join the ODI squad.

The eight-team tournament divides participants into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B comprises Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

Pakistan’s first match is against New Zealand on Febru 19 in Karachi, while the highly anticipated clash with India will take place on Febru 23 in Dubai.

Champions Trophy Schedule:

19 Febru, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

20 Febru, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

21 Febru, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

22 Febru, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan

23 Febru, Pakistan v India, Dubai

24 Febru, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

25 Febru, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

26 Febru, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan

27 Febru, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

28 Febru, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai

4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai

5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)

10 March, Reserve day

*All matches will be day-night encounters