The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the Pakistan Shaheens squads for the warm-up matches ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9. These preparatory matches will be crucial for the participating teams to fine-tune their strategies before the major tournament.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Warm-Up Match Schedule
The Pakistan Shaheens will be competing in three warm-up matches, beginning on February 14 against Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The team will then face South Africa and Bangladesh on February 17, with the matches taking place in Karachi and Dubai, respectively.
Match Fixtures:
- February 14 – Shaheens vs Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- February 16 – New Zealand vs Bangladesh at National Bank Stadium, Karachi
- February 17 – Shaheens vs South Africa at National Bank Stadium, Karachi
- February 17 – Shaheens vs Bangladesh at ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai
Leadership and Coaching Staff
Each match will be led by a different captain, and renowned coaches will guide the teams throughout their preparation:
- Shadab Khan will captain the squad against Afghanistan, with Mansoor Amjad serving as coach-cum-manager.
- Mohammad Huraira will lead the team against South Africa, with Ijaz Ahmed as the coach-cum-manager.
- Mohammad Haris will take charge against Bangladesh, under the guidance of Umar Gul, who will also serve as coach-cum-manager.
Pakistan Shaheens’ Squads for Warm-Up Matches
Squad for Afghanistan Match:
- Shadab Khan (c), Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Kashif Ali, Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir Khan, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Muhammad Irfan Khan
Squad for South Africa Match:
- Mohammad Huraira (c), Amad Butt, Faisal Akram, Hassan Nawaz, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram, Saad Khan
Squad for Bangladesh Match:
- Mohammad Haris (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Azan Awais, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Moqim, Usama Mir
Significance of the Warm-Up Matches
These warm-up matches will serve as a critical testing ground for the Pakistan Shaheens to evaluate their strengths, identify weaknesses, and fine-tune their game plans ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Competing against top teams like Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh will provide valuable experience to the players.
Additionally, these matches offer an opportunity for young talents to showcase their skills, making a case for future inclusion in Pakistan’s senior national squad. The performances in these warm-up fixtures could significantly impact squad selections for the main tournament.
Conclusion
With a well-balanced squad and experienced coaching staff, the Pakistan Shaheens are well-prepared to make an impact in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches. The upcoming fixtures will be an exciting opportunity for cricket fans to witness the rising stars of Pakistan cricket as they prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in the cricketing world.
Khalid Javed is a distinguished journalist and the esteemed Editor of Daily Olympic, a prominent publication in Pakistan. With a career marked by dedication and excellence, Khalid has established himself as a well-known figure in the field of journalism, earning respect for his insightful reporting and editorial expertise. His work at Daily Olympic reflects his commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news, particularly in the realm of sports and beyond. Khalid’s contributions to the media landscape in Pakistan have not only informed the public but also inspired aspiring journalists. His passion for journalism and his ability to navigate complex stories with clarity and integrity have made him a trusted voice in the industry.