ICC Champions Trophy 2025: With Babar Azam struggling, will Mohammad Rizwan lead Pakistan to defend their title? | Cricket News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Nearly three decades after the 1996 ICC World Cup graced Pakistani soil, the nation stands at the precipice of another historic moment. With the hands of the clock glued to the famous tower of Faisalabad ticking fast, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is all set to bring the roar of packed stadiums, the thrill of last-over finishes, and the hope of a nation longing for the much-awaited cricketing festival.
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Pakistan last hosted an ICC event 29 years back, when the ICC World Cup was co-hosted alongside India and Sri Lanka. The tournament saw Pakistan bowing out in the quarter-finals after a tough loss to their neighbours in blue. However, the grand finale in Lahore belonged to Sri Lanka, who claimed their maiden World Cup title with an awe-inspiring seven-wicket victory over the mighty Australians.

Twenty-nine years later, cricket fever is set to sweep across Pakistan once again, despite the nation’s struggles with financial and political turmoil.
With renovated stadiums and upgraded infrastructure — the stage is eventually ready for a marriage of bat and ball, with the entire world keeping a close eye.
“This is a huge thing for the entire country of Pakistan. After such a long time, such a big event is happening, and almost all the big teams that play cricket are coming to Pakistan. This is going to be a massive festival in Pakistan,” former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview. “Every single game is going to be a full house.”

The home advantage: Pakistan hosts ICC tournament after 29 years

Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, enter the competition as the defending champions, having claimed the title in emphatic fashion in the 2017 edition in England.
But the question remains: Can Rizwan inspire his team to a successful title defence, or will the burden of expectations prove too heavy?
Pakistan in the last five ODIs: W-W-L-W-L
Pakistan have never been short of match-winners, and this edition is no different.
The team boasts an explosive batting lineup capable of dismantling the best bowling attacks on their day. Fakhar Zaman, the hero of the 2017 final, is back in the ODI setup, and his ability to turn games around in a matter of overs makes him a key asset.
Meanwhile, if Babar Azam, whose last ODI century came in a 151-run knock against Nepal in August 2023, rediscovers his golden touch, Pakistan’s chances of posting mammoth totals will skyrocket.
The middle order, featuring skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha, has been in sublime form in recent times.
Rizwan’s ability to anchor the innings while shifting gears when needed makes him a crucial cog in Pakistan’s batting wheel.
Yet, Pakistan’s real strength lies in its pace attack.
A well-oiled machine spearheaded by the lethal Shaheen Shah Afridi, the bowling unit also features Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf (subject to availability), and the ever-improving Mohammad Hasnain.
On home pitches, where reverse swing and raw pace will play a significant role, this pace attack will be something worth monitoring.

Why Pakistan should be concerned ahead of the campaign

Despite the presence of star players, Pakistan have notable chinks in its armour. The opening combination remains a concern.
Most runs for Pakistan in ODIs – last one year

With Saim Ayub sidelined due to an ankle fracture and Abdullah Shafique dropped for poor form, the responsibility falls on Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam.
Babar Azam’s last 10 ODI innings

However, this duo has struggled to fire consistently in recent times, leaving Pakistan vulnerable in the crucial powerplay overs.
Fakhar Zaman’s last 10 ODI innings

Another questionable selection decision has been Pakistan’s spin department.
With only one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed — who has had injury concerns — the team appears to be walking a tightrope.
Most wickets for Pakistan in ODIs – last one year

The absence of a seasoned campaigner like Shadab Khan or even Sufiyan Muqeem raises doubts about Pakistan’s ability to contain opposition batsmen in the middle overs, especially on slower tracks.
The lower order also lacks proven firepower.
Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah haven’t delivered substantial performances at the international level, making the team heavily reliant on the top order.
In crunch situations, the inability of the lower order to add quick runs could hurt Pakistan’s chances.
Pakistan under Mohammad Rizwan – Matches: 12 | Won: 8 | Lost: 4
Leadership in Pakistan cricket has often been a high-stakes drama, and Rizwan now finds himself at the centre of it.
Since becoming the white-ball captain in October last year, he has shown the perfect temperament to guide Pakistan through the pressures of a home tournament.
However, leading Pakistan in such a high-profile event is no small task, and he will need to ensure his team remains mentally strong amid the weight of expectations.
Citing Pakistan’s triumphant away tours, Amir remains optimistic. “I have high hopes because Pakistan has recently won both away series. And I think this is a huge achievement for Pakistan, to win in Australia against Australia and then in South Africa against South Africa. Since the Champions Trophy is in Pakistan, it will be an advantage for Pakistan, so I think Pakistan can do really well.”
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad: 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.
With a praiseworthy pace attack, an eye-catching batting lineup, coupled with the advantage of home conditions, Pakistan have all the ingredients to make a deep run in the tournament.

However, cricket is a game of fine margins, and much will depend on the skipper’s ability to rally his troops when it matters most.
Will Mohammad Rizwan be the captain to lead Pakistan to the consecutive title, or will history repeat itself with a heartbreak on home soil? Now, the eyes turn towards Faisalabad’s clock tower; it will tell the true story when the time comes.