Like Countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the Pakistan team that will participate in the tournament. However, as of January 14, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to reveal its squad, leading to speculation and questions about the delay.
Reasons for delay
- Injury Concerns: One of the main reasons for delaying the announcement of the team is the fitness of the key players. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and open the batter Saim Ayub they have been struggling with injury problems, which has made the completion of the team more difficult. The PCB is said to be assessing the fitness of the players before making any official announcements.
- Strategic Ideas: The PCB can also review the measures that may affect the team. With an eye on defending their title, after winning the Champions Trophy final in 2017, the selectors are considering a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The inclusion of a secret spinner has been drafted in, which can add some unique power to their bowling attack.
The story of the race
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9, with eight teams divided into two groups. Pakistan have been placed with India, Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. With their first match scheduled against New Zealand in Karachi, time is of the essence for the PCB to finalize their squad.
Also READ: Will India boycott Champions Trophy 2025? This is why BCCI has not announced their provisional squad
Compared to other groups
While most of the other participating teams announced their squads by the January 12 deadline set by the ICC, India and Pakistan are the exception. India has also sought an increase due to concerns surrounding their key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.
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– Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) June 27, 2024