ICC Champion Trophy 2025 Pakistan: A Comprehensive Guide 

The * ICC Champion Trophy 2025 * marks the return of one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan co-hosting the event alongside the UAE. This edition holds historical significance as Pakistan’s first solo hosting of an ICC tournament since the 1996 ODI World Cup, reigniting excitement for fans worldwide . Below, we break down everything you need to know about the teams, squads, and key updates. 

ICC Champion Trophy 2025 Teams and Squads 

Pakistan Cricket Team Squad for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

Pakistan, the defending champions (2017), will be led by wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman anchoring the batting. Notable inclusions: 

– *Fakhar Zaman*: Returns after injury, celebrated for his 114 in the 2017 final against India . 

– *Saud Shakeel*: Rewarded for stellar Test performances; may open with Babar . 

– *Abrar Ahmed*: Mystery spinner leading the spin attack . 

*Full Squad*: 

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 Afridi . 

*Key Absentees*: 

– *Saim Ayub*: Ruled out due to an ankle injury . 

Other Teams’ Squads for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

Australia Squad for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

Led by Pat Cummins, Australia blends experience with all-round depth. Mitchell Marsh is ruled out, with one spot pending .  *Squad*: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, and others.

India Squad for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

*Rohit Sharma* captains a star-studded lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and dual wicketkeepers KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant . 

*Squad*: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, and others . 

England Squad for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

*Jos Buttler* leads a dynamic squad with all-rounders like *Liam Livingstone* and pace spearhead *Jofra Archer* . 

*Squad*: Jos Buttler (c), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, and others . 

South Africa Squad for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

*Temba Bavuma* captains, but *Anrich Nortje* is injured, necessitating a replacement before the February 11 deadline . 

*Squad*: Temba Bavuma (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and others . 

New Zealand Squad for ICC Champion Trophy 2025 

*Mitchell Santner* leads a balanced side featuring *Kane Williamson* and rising star *Rachin Ravindra* . 

*Squad*: Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and others . 

Tournament Structure and Hybrid Model 

The *ICC CT 2025* features eight teams divided into two groups: 

– *Group A*: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand 

– *Group B*: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan . 

*Hybrid Venue Model*: 

– *Pakistan Hosting*: Matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. 

– *UAE Neutral Venue*: India’s group-stage matches and potential final shifted to Dubai due to political tensions . 

*Key Fixtures*: 

– *Feb 19*: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi) 

– *Feb 23*: India vs Pakistan (Dubai) – Sold out within hours . 

– *March 9*: Final in Lahore (if India doesn’t qualify) or Dubai . 

Controversies and Preparations 

1. *Jersey Logo Dispute*: BCCI resists adding Pakistan’s host logo to India’s jerseys . 

2. *No Opening Ceremony*: Skipped to avoid political tensions; Rohit Sharma avoids Pakistan visit .  

3. *Venue Readiness*: PCB assures National Stadium Karachi will be ready despite delays . 

Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement 

*General Sales*: Tickets for group stages and semi-finals available online and at 108 TCS centers in Pakistan . 

– *Dubai Prices*: Start at AED 125 for general stands . 

– *Final Tickets*: Released after the first semi-final . 

Historical Context and Expectations 

Pakistan aims to replicate their 2017 triumph, leveraging home advantage. India, Australia, and England are strong contenders, while Afghanistan and Bangladesh could surprise .