By webdesk 
With just a week to go until the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, teams have finalized their squads for the much-anticipated tournament in Pakistan and the UAE. As cricket’s elite nations prepare for battle, fans can expect a thrilling display of skill, experience, and emerging talent.
Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed squads for each team, including some key selections and surprising omissions.
ICC Champions Trophy Group A Squads
Bangladesh: Fresh Faces, Big Dreams
Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh is eager to surpass their semi-final finish in 2017. The squad sees the return of veterans like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, but notable omissions include Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das.
Young guns Nahid Rana (150kph pacer) and Rishad Hossain bring excitement, while all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz adds balance.
Squad Highlights: Emerging pacer Nahid Rana and aggressive leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
Bangladesh Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
India: A Powerhouse Minus Bumrah
Defending T20 World Cup champions India have retained their core group, with Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill leading the batting lineup. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s late withdrawal due to injury is a significant blow. Harshit Rana steps in as his replacement.
With Mohammed Shami leading the attack and a strong middle-order featuring Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, India remains a top contender.
Squad Highlights: Mohammed Shami’s return, Harshit Rana’s debut in an ICC event.
India Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand: A New Era Under Santner
With veterans Trent Boult and Tim Southee stepping aside, Mitchell Santner takes over as captain for the first time in an ICC event. The bowling attack now includes fresh faces like Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, and Ben Sears, alongside Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry.
The batting remains strong with Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra.
Squad Highlights: Mitchell Santner’s captaincy debut, young fast bowlers set to shine.
New Zealand Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
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.
Pakistan: Champions of 2017 Aim for Glory Again
Hosts Pakistan boast a squad filled with experience and youthful energy. Mohammad Rizwan will captain, supported by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, the hero of the 2017 final.
Their pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, is among the most fearsome in world cricket. However, the absence of Saim Ayub due to injury is a setback.
Squad Highlights: Rizwan’s captaincy, formidable pace trio.
Pakistan Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
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 Shah Afridi.
ICC Champions Trophy Group B Squads
Afghanistan: Spin Heavy, Pace Ready
A last-minute injury to Mujeeb Ur Rahman forced Afghanistan to bring in Nangyal Kharoti, a talented left-arm spinner. Rashid Khan remains the leader of the attack, while Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz spearhead the batting.
Squad Highlights: Rashid Khan’s experience, Ibrahim Zadran’s match-winning potential.
Afghanistan Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
Australia: Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood Out – New Faces In
With big names like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis absent, Australia fields a younger squad. Steve Smith (c) will rely on Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Marnus Labuschagne for stability.
The pace attack is revamped with Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis set to prove their mettle.
Squad Highlights: New-look fast bowling attack, Smith’s leadership in Cummins’ absence.
Australia Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
England: A Blend of Experience and New Talent
Led by Jos Buttler, England welcome back Joe Root for his third Champions Trophy appearance. Tom Banton replaces the injured Jacob Bethell, while pace sensation Jofra Archer makes his return.
Explosive batters Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt add firepower, with Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson leading the pace attack.
Squad Highlights: Jofra Archer’s return, Joe Root’s experience.
England Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.
South Africa: A Late Injury Shake-Up
Anrich Nortje’s injury means Corbin Bosch gets a late call-up, while Temba Bavuma leads a balanced squad. Kagiso Rabada heads a strong pace attack, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi providing spin options.
The batting lineup includes Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen, ensuring a solid middle-order.
Squad Highlights: Strong pace unit despite Nortje’s absence, experienced middle order.
South Africa Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.
ICC Champions Trophy Tournament Outlook
With squads now finalized, anticipation builds for the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. The tournament promises intense competition as defending champions Pakistan look to retain their title, while powerhouses India, Australia, and England eye another global triumph.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on emerging stars, returning legends, and thrilling contests in what promises to be a spectacular event.
Zainab Shafiq