By Zainab Shafiq 
The countdown to the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, is well and truly on. With the tournament scheduled for February and March, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the clash of titans.
As the anticipation builds, the announcement of the Champions Trophy 2025 squads has added fuel to the fire. Eight formidable nations are set to compete for the coveted title, with Pakistan entering as the defending champions after their memorable victory in 2017. The Champions Trophy 2025 squads are a mix of experience and exciting new talent, promising a thrilling tournament.
The ICC mandated that all eight participating teams must reveal their 15-member squads at least five weeks before the tournament’s commencement on February 19th. While teams have the flexibility to make changes up to a week before their first match, any alterations after that deadline require ICC approval. This structure ensures a level playing field and allows teams to strategically fine-tune their lineups. The composition of the Champions Trophy 2025 squads is crucial for each team’s chances.
England was the first nation to unveil their squad on December 22nd. Led by Jos Buttler, the English side boasts a powerful batting lineup and a varied bowling attack. However, they will be without the services of Test captain Ben Stokes, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This absence will undoubtedly be a significant blow to their campaign.
Several other teams have also announced their squads. Afghanistan, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, will be looking to make a strong impression. They will, however, be missing Mujeeb-ur-Rehman due to injury. Australia, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, has named a formidable squad, although Cummins himself is recovering from an ankle problem. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be aiming to cause upsets.
New Zealand, with Mitchell Santner at the helm, has named a balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners like Kane Williamson. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, also announced their squad, featuring a blend of experienced players and exciting young talent. The quality of the Champions Trophy 2025 squads is a testament to the tournament’s prestige.
As of now, India and Pakistan are yet to announce their squads, leaving fans in suspense. These announcements are highly anticipated, as both nations boast world-class talent and are considered strong contenders for the title. The final composition of the Champions Trophy 2025 squads from these two nations will be closely scrutinized.
Champions Trophy 2025 Squads
Here’s a summary of the announced squads:
- Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami. Injury: Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (out).
- Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. Injury: Pat Cummins (recovering).
- Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana.
- England: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood. Injury: Ben Stokes (out).
- New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young. Reserve: Jacob Duffy.
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony De Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Anrich Nortje.
Also, see:
Complete PSL 2025 squads for all teams