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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the national cricket team’s new jersey for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The much-anticipated reveal took place during the grand opening ceremony of the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday. The event was a star-studded affair, showcasing the country’s top cricketers as the official kit for the tournament was unveiled to the public.
The 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy was present during the ceremony, offering fans their first look at the green shirts that will represent Pakistan on the field during the prestigious eight-team tournament. Notable players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Shah Afridi were among the cricketers present, alongside women cricketers like Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana. The unveiling was also supported by a minute-long promotional video featuring these star players, hyping up the tournament and the national team’s prospects.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 Journey
As the hosts and defending champions, Pakistan will be looking to carry forward their winning momentum from the previous tournament. The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the revamped National Bank Stadium in Karachi. This match marks the curtain-raiser for the tournament, and Pakistan fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their team to action on home soil.
After the opening match, Pakistan will head to Dubai to face their arch-rivals India on February 23, in what is expected to be one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament. The national team will conclude their group-stage campaign with a match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
The tournament, which runs from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will be held across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – as well as Dubai. A total of 15 matches will be played, with Pakistan hosting 10 matches, and Dubai holding four, including all of India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final.
Groupings and Tournament Format
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. This setup ensures a diverse mix of teams, each with their own strengths and rivalries.
The tournament format will see the top teams from each group progress to the semi-finals. The final match is scheduled to be held in Lahore on March 9, with the caveat that if India qualifies for the final, it will be moved to Dubai.
For weather-related concerns, a reserve day has been scheduled for the final, ensuring that the match can continue without interruption should inclement weather affect the proceedings.
Pakistan Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025
The following cricketers make up the Pakistan squad for the tournament:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain)
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
This squad has been selected to represent Pakistan’s hopes and ambitions in the tournament, with experienced players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge. The balance of youth and experience in the squad gives the team a formidable edge heading into the competition.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Full Schedule
Here’s the full schedule of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:
- 19 February: Pakistan vs New Zealand – Karachi
- 20 February: Bangladesh vs India – Dubai
- 21 February: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi
- 22 February: Australia vs England – Lahore
- 23 February: Pakistan vs India – Dubai
- 24 February: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Rawalpindi
- 25 February: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi
- 26 February: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore
- 27 February: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi
- 28 February: Afghanistan vs Australia – Lahore
- 1 March: South Africa vs England – Karachi
- 2 March: New Zealand vs India – Dubai
- 4 March: Semi-final 1 – Dubai
- 5 March: Semi-final 2 – Lahore
- 9 March: Final – Lahore (unless India qualifies, then in Dubai)
- 10 March: Reserve Day
All matches will be day-night encounters, adding excitement for fans both at the stadiums and those following from home.
