ICC Champions Trophy 2025: With Babar Azam struggling, will Mohammad Rizwan lead Pakistan to defend their title?

Pakistan Gears Up for Historic ICC Champions Trophy 2025

After nearly three decades, Pakistan is set to host another prestigious ICC tournament. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be held on Pakistani soil, igniting cricket fever across the nation. This comes 29 years after Pakistan last hosted an ICC event—the 1996 World Cup, where the country was co-host to India and Sri Lanka. The 2025 edition promises to be a monumental event, with renovated stadiums and the spotlight firmly on Pakistan’s cricketing prowess.

A Momentous Occasion for Pakistan

This tournament marks a historic return for Pakistan as the host nation, with the 2017 Champions Trophy title still fresh in the minds of fans. Back then, Pakistan stunned the world by defeating India in a thrilling final. The team’s dominant victory in England sparked hope, and now, with the event returning to Pakistan, fans are eager for another magical performance on home turf.

Mohammad Amir, former Pakistan pacer, shared his excitement about the upcoming tournament. “This is huge for the country. A long time has passed since we hosted such a major event, and to have the world’s best teams come here is an extraordinary opportunity. Every match will have a packed stadium,” Amir told Times of India.

The Pressure on Rizwan and the Team

As the defending champions, Pakistan enters the competition with a mixture of optimism and pressure. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team has a chance to defend its title. Rizwan’s leadership will be crucial. Can he guide his team through the intense scrutiny and high expectations of a home World Cup? The weight of history and the hopes of an entire nation rest on his shoulders.

Pakistan’s squad is filled with dynamic players. Babar Azam, one of the best batsmen in the world, remains a key figure in the team. His form, after a recent century against Nepal, will be vital for Pakistan’s chances of posting massive totals. Fakhar Zaman, the hero of the 2017 final, is also back and capable of turning the game in a few explosive overs. Alongside them, the middle order—featuring Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha—has been performing admirably.

However, Pakistan’s real strength lies in its pace attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain bring raw pace and reverse swing to the table. On home soil, where these elements are crucial, their performance will be key.

Concerns Linger for Pakistan

Despite the star-studded squad, Pakistan faces several challenges. The opening combination remains a major concern. With Saim Ayub sidelined due to injury and Abdullah Shafique dropped for poor form, the burden falls on Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. Both have struggled for consistency in recent matches, leaving Pakistan vulnerable in the early overs.

Moreover, the spin department remains thin. Abrar Ahmed is Pakistan’s only specialist spinner, and his fitness has been an issue. Without experienced spin options like Shadab Khan, Pakistan may find it difficult to control the middle overs, especially on slower pitches.

The lower order also lacks firepower. Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah have not delivered consistent performances at the international level, making the team heavily reliant on the top order.

Leadership Under Pressure

Rizwan, who took over as Pakistan’s white-ball captain in October last year, has shown promising leadership skills. Leading Pakistan in front of a home crowd at such a high-profile event will test his composure. He must ensure his team stays mentally strong throughout the tournament, even when the pressure peaks.

Amir remains hopeful. “Pakistan’s recent success in Australia and South Africa shows the team’s potential. With the Champions Trophy on home soil, we can expect a strong performance,” he said.

Pakistan’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad includes:

• 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.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan?

The stage is set. With a potent pace attack, a promising batting lineup, and the advantage of home conditions, Pakistan is in a strong position to make a deep run in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. But as in all cricket tournaments, success will come down to fine margins—how well the team handles the pressure and rises to the occasion. Can Mohammad Rizwan lead Pakistan to a second consecutive title, or will history repeat itself with heartbreak on home soil?

The Countdown Begins

As the clock ticks down in Faisalabad, the anticipation grows. With every passing moment, the excitement of a nation builds. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy could mark the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket—one filled with pride, hope, and glory. Let’s watch closely as the action unfolds.

Will Pakistan emerge victorious again? Share your thoughts with us below!