Champions Trophy: Pakistan's squad 'under review', says PCB chief

Pakistan's squad for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 is being reviewed by the selection committee, revealed Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi on Friday. 

"The selection committee has the right to make changes or not, in the Champions Trophy squad," he added. 

Naqvi also addressed the inclusion of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf in the squads of the Tri-Nation series — set to begin tomorrow (Saturday) with matches scheduled between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa — and the upcoming and highly anticipated Champions Trophy. 

"Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf were named in the squad with good intentions," Naqvi said.

Meanwhile, captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan said that changes in the squad are not a necessity while talking to the media in Lahore on Friday.

"There have been no talks regarding changes being made to the squad," Rizwan said, adding that the "best team has been selected" for the marquee tournament.

The team captain further said that players with good performances in recent matches have made it to the 15-member squad and "Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf are in good form".

Rizwan also addressed the playing XI selection criteria and basis, saying "It will be chosen according to conditions".

However, he remarked that "the lack of Saim Ayub is causing the team combination to be disturbed".

The festivities and preparations for the first ICC event being hosted in Pakistan since 1996 are in full swing.

The mega event is set to kick start from February 19 with Pakistan and New Zealand facing off in Karachi. The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams from all over the world fighting for the prestigious title.

Pakistan, India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and New Zealand will compete for glory, with the much-anticipated Pakistan-India match scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.