Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Will PCB include injured Haris Rauf in the final squad?

Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will remain unchanged, despite concerns over Haris Rauf's injury, sources have confirmed. According to Cricket Pakistan, Rauf was ruled out of the ongoing Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, with Akif Javed named as his replacement.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to make any alterations to the Champions Trophy squad, ensuring that the previously announced 15-member team remains intact.

Haris Rauf Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025 — Haris Rauf, left, and Hardik Pandya (Photo: PTI)

The final deadline for squad adjustments is today but the PCB has opted to retain their selected players without any changes. This decision comes amid ongoing debates within the cricketing community, with several former cricketers advocating for modifications to the squad. Despite Rauf's injury scare, medical assessments have indicated that he is expected to recover in time for the tournament, which begins on February 19.

Haris Rauf suffered a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall during Pakistan's match against New Zealand in the Tri-Nation Series. Although his injury is not deemed severe, PCB decided to rest him as a precautionary measure. His absence has sparked discussions about Pakistan's bowling depth, but the team management remains confident that he will be fully fit before the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

The eight-team tournament is set to be one of the most anticipated cricketing events of the year, with Pakistan looking to defend their title. A key highlight of the tournament will be the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled for February 23. The final is set to take place at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on March 9, but in the event of India reaching the final, the match will be shifted to Dubai.

While the squad remains unchanged, all eyes will be on Haris Rauf's recovery process. His pace and experience play a pivotal role in Pakistan's bowling attack, and his fitness will be crucial for the team's chances in the tournament. Until then, the selectors and team management will closely monitor his rehabilitation.