As Pakistan prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled three Pakistan Shaheens squads set to participate in warm-up matches. These games will serve as a crucial platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills and provide depth to Pakistan’s bench strength.
Unlike traditional warm-up matches that mainly feature first-choice squads, Pakistan’s approach signals a shift towards talent development, allowing young players to gain valuable international exposure ahead of the major tournament. This move reflects PCB’s strategy of ensuring a robust pipeline of future stars ready to take on global challenges.
PCB’s selection of three different captains for three matches highlights a leadership grooming strategy.
- Shadab Khan, the seasoned all-rounder, will captain the squad against Afghanistan on 14 February at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. His experience in international cricket will be pivotal in guiding the younger players.
- Mohammad Hurraira, a rising batting sensation, takes charge against South Africa at National Stadium, Karachi, on 17 February.
- Mohammad Haris, known for his aggressive batting and innovative shot-making, will lead the team against Bangladesh on 17 February in Dubai.
Each squad features a mix of promising youngsters and domestic performers, reflecting PCB’s intent to provide players with international exposure while keeping the focus on performance.
Shaheens Squad vs Afghanistan (14 February, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Led by Shadab Khan, this squad features a blend of hard-hitting batsmen like Hussain Talat and Arafat Minhas, alongside emerging fast bowlers like Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Mohammad Amir Khan.
Shaheens Squad vs South Africa (17 February, National Stadium, Karachi)
With Mohammad Hurraira as captain, this squad comprises experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq, rising spin talent Faisal Akram, and pace prospects Khurram Shahzad and Niaz Khan.
Shaheens Squad vs Bangladesh (17 February, ICC Academy, Dubai)
Under the leadership of Mohammad Haris, this squad boasts the all-round abilities of Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, while Usama Mir strengthens the spin attack.
The warm-up fixtures are not merely preparatory games but an opportunity for selectors to assess players who could be key backups in the main squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. With multiple young cricketers knocking on the doors of international cricket, a strong showing in these matches could accelerate their inclusion in Pakistan’s senior team.
With PCB investing heavily in player development, these matches could serve as a defining moment for many future stars. The likes of Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hurraira, and Abbas Afridi have a golden opportunity to impress selectors and cement their places in Pakistan’s long-term plans. Pakistan’s unique approach of fielding separate squads for warm-up matches reflects a modern cricketing mindset—building a team for today while preparing for the future. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, these matches will not only provide crucial match practice but could also unearth the next big stars of Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan Shaheens Warm-Up Match Schedule:
- 14 February – vs Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (1400-2130 PST)
- 17 February – vs South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi (1400-2130 PST)
- 17 February – vs Bangladesh, ICC Cricket Academy, Dubai (1400-2130 PST)
