The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to break an eight-year hiatus as it commences on February 19 with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener. This much-awaited event will feature eight elite teams competing in 15 exciting matches over 19 days. Afghanistan has become the latest country to confirm their squad for the Champions Trophy, joining England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in doing so. The deadline for submitting provisional squad lists to the ICC is fast approaching, and Afghanistan will be making their first appearance in the Champions Trophy, which speaks volumes about their rise in international cricket. An accomplished batter and prudent leader, Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in this crucial tournament. The ACB has announced a 15-man squad with a few backup players. The important members of the squad are: stalwarts from the top-order such as a consistent performer at this position like Ibrahim Zadran, with the flair for anchoring, and the wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz known for explosive capabilities at the beginning of the order. Apart from that, Sediqullah Atal, the youngster, who smacks so much promise within himself, will add further strength to the batting lineup while Rahmat Shah, whose very presence of calmness in the middle order has been a nucleus of Afghanistan's ODI success story. Also Read | 'Samson should be preferred over Pant,'-Harbhajan Singh Weighs in on India’s Champions Trophy Squad The key strength of the Afghan side would be their spin department, which would be led by none other than Rashid Khan-the world's best leg-spinner with vast experience in franchise and international cricket. Mohammad Nabi, who has a lot of experience in leadership as well. They make a strong spin pair, capable of challenging top batters, especially on subcontinent pitches. All-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai add balance to the team with their big hitting in the lower order and steady medium-pace bowling. However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman did not make it into the Afghan squad. Afghanistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami