ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament: No Pakistani Player Included
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- March 11, 2025
- 9:15 am
- 168
- Sports
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament is out, featuring top players from India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan—but no Pakistani players.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament is finally here, and no Pakistani player has made the cut. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the squad, featuring players from only three teams—India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. Despite being the host nation, Pakistan failed to impress, finishing last in the group stage.
India Dominates with Six Players
India, the tournament winner, leads the squad with six players. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul made the batting lineup, while Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel earned their spots as bowlers.
The absence of India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, surprised many, especially after his fifty in the final against New Zealand. However, Kohli played a crucial role, scoring a century against Pakistan and an 84-run knock in the semi-final against Australia. Rahul’s finishing ability stood out, with two unbeaten knocks in the knockout stage. Iyer, India’s top scorer, contributed 243 runs in Dubai’s tough conditions.
New Zealand’s Four Star Players
New Zealand secured four spots in the squad. Rachin Ravindra, named Player of the Tournament, topped the run charts with 263 runs, including two centuries. His 112 against Bangladesh and 108 in the semi-final against South Africa proved his ability under pressure.
All-rounder Glenn Phillips also made the team. His stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Shubman Gill in the final was one of the tournament’s highlights. Captain Mitchell Santner and fast bowler Matt Henry completed New Zealand’s representation. Santner, as captain, took nine wickets, while Henry was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with ten scalps.
Afghanistan Makes History
Afghanistan made their Champions Trophy debut and impressed with two players in the squad. Ibrahim Zadran, the team’s opening batter, delivered a record-breaking performance with 177 runs against England. His consistency placed him alongside Ravindra at the top of the order.
All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai proved his worth with both bat and ball. He picked up seven wickets and delivered a match-winning spell of 5/58 against England. His inclusion highlights Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa Snubbed
Pakistan had a disappointing campaign. They finished at the bottom of the group stage and failed to produce standout performances. Their match against Bangladesh was washed out, sealing their early exit. Losses against New Zealand and India ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Despite reaching the semi-finals, Australia and South Africa had no players selected. South Africa’s campaign ended with a loss to New Zealand, while Australia fell short against India.
Complete ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
- Virat Kohli (India)
- Shreyas Iyer (India)
- KL Rahul (wk) (India)
- Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
- Mitchell Santner (capt) (New Zealand)
- Mohammed Shami (India)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Varun Chakaravarthy (India)
- Axar Patel (India)
Pakistan’s absence from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament is disappointing for their fans. Meanwhile, India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan dominated the competition, proving their strength on the world stage.
