ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan squad announcement on the way; reason listed behind delay

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to announce its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to begin on February 19. While all other participating nations have revealed their provisional squads, the hosts have delayed their announcement due to Saim Ayub's injury concerns.

The Champions Trophy makes a return to international cricket after an eight-year gap. It will also be the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup. The competition begins on February 19, with the hosts facing New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Delay in Announcement Due to Uncertainty Surrounding Saim Ayub

As per ICC regulations, the Men in Green have to finalize its team for the mega tournament by February 11. According to a report from Cricket Pakistan, Saim Ayub is the reason for the announcement's delay. He is currently recovering in London after suffering an injury during the recent Test series in South Africa.

The PCB is allowing Saim time to prove his fitness ahead of his return. If Ayub isn't fit in time, experienced batter Shan Masood is expected to replace him, with Fakhar Zaman also potentially making a comeback to the squad.

"The delay in the announcement is due to uncertainty surrounding young left-handed batter Saim Ayub. The promising player sustained an injury during the recent Test series against South Africa and is currently recovering in London," Cricket Pakistan reported.

"He is expected to return to Pakistan in early February, and the PCB is giving him every opportunity to prove his fitness. If Ayub is unable to recover in time, experienced batter Shan Masood is likely to replace him, while Fakhar Zaman may also make a comeback to the team."

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Expected to Be Announced by February 3

The report added that the PCB is expected to announce the squads for both the Champions Trophy and the Tri-Nation ODI Series within the first three days of February. The Tri-Nation Series, involving the Men in Green, South Africa, and New Zealand, will be played in Pakistan from February 8.

"According to sources, the PCB is expected to reveal the squads for both the Tri-Nation ODI Series and the Champions Trophy within the first three days of February. The Tri-Nation Series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, begins on February 8 and is seen as a vital preparatory event for the Champions Trophy," the report added.

Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Hasnain Likely to Be Dropped from Champions Trophy Squad

Captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah will be included in the the Men in Green squad. Young talents such as Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal are also being considered for selection. Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Hasnain are expected to miss out on the final squad.

The Champions Trophy will be played at three venues in the Men in Green, while India’s matches will take place in Dubai as part of a hybrid model. India and the Men in Green have been placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

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