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ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025: Major Squad Changes and Tournament Updates
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is fast approaching, with teams finalizing their squads and making last-minute adjustments ahead of the tournament, set to begin on February 19, 2025. Several teams have faced injury setbacks, player replacements, and strategic recalls, creating a dynamic lead-up to the event.
In this article, we’ll cover key squad changes, captaincy updates, and squad announcements from Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, India, and other competing nations.
South Africa Makes Key Replacements Ahead of the Champions Trophy
Corbin Bosch Replaces Anrich Nortje
South Africa has named Corbin Bosch as a replacement for Anrich Nortje, who was ruled out due to injury. Bosch, fresh off an impressive SA20 campaign, will now join his brother, Eathan Bosch, in Pakistan for the ongoing tri-series featuring South Africa, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
Additionally, teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka has been included as a traveling reserve, with him, Bosch, and opener Tony de Zorzi set to join the squad in Pakistan.
Adding to South Africa’s preparations, former Pakistan cricketer Yasir Arafat has been appointed as a consultant for the Proteas ahead of the tournament.
Australia Faces Injury Crisis: Cummins, Hazlewood Out
Captaincy Dilemma as Cummins and Hazlewood Miss Out
Australia has suffered a major setback, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out due to injuries. This adds to the absence of Marcus Stoinis (ODI retirement) and Mitchell Marsh (back injury), forcing the reigning World Cup champions into making significant squad changes.
With Cummins unable to bowl, Australia faces a captaincy dilemma, with Steve Smith and Travis Head emerging as frontrunners for the role. A final decision is expected soon.
Pakistan’s Squad Announced: Fakhar Zaman Returns
Pakistan’s Title Defense Strategy
Pakistan has recalled Fakhar Zaman, one of the heroes of their 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad, for their title defense on home soil.
Only three players from Pakistan’s 2017-winning squad have made it to the 2025 edition. Alongside Zaman, Pakistan has added Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah, who impressed in domestic competitions.
However, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Sufyan Moqim were dropped from the squad after their recent ODI assignment in South Africa.
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Pakistan’s Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Key Players: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah
- All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha
- Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain
India’s Squad Features Key Players Like Bumrah, Shami & Jaiswal
Bumrah’s Fitness a Concern
India has announced a strong squad, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya. However, Bumrah’s selection is conditional, as he is still recovering from back spasms.
Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has received his first ODI call-up.
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India’s Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Key Players: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
- Spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav
Other Major Champions Trophy Updates
No Opening Ceremony; Rohit Sharma Avoids Pakistan Travel
The ICC and PCB have scrapped plans for an opening ceremony and captains’ photoshoot, meaning India’s Rohit Sharma won’t need to travel to Pakistan before the tournament.
Organizers cited logistical challenges, as teams will arrive in Pakistan on different dates. Instead, the PCB will hold local pre-event ceremonies in Lahore and Karachi.
England’s Squad: Root Returns, Stokes Misses Out
England has brought back Joe Root into the ODI squad, but Ben Stokes has been left out due to a hamstring injury. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood lead the pace attack, while Jacob Bethell has received his first call-up.
England’s Squad Highlights:
- Captain: Jos Buttler
- Pace Attack: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood
- Key Batters: Phil Salt, Joe Root, Harry Brook
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
With multiple teams making squad adjustments, the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be an intense battle between cricket’s top nations. South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, and India have made crucial squad changes, with injury concerns playing a major role.
As teams finalize their lineups, fans can expect exciting matchups and high-stakes cricket as the prestigious tournament kicks off on February 19, 2025.
