🏏 Pakistan Veterans Squad for IMC Over-40 T20 World Cup 2025
Pakistan cricket continues to showcase its rich legacy — not just through young rising talent, but also through the extraordinary comeback of legendary veterans who once thrilled millions with their skills and match-winning performances. As the IMC Over-40 T20 World Cup 2025 approaches, the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) has officially announced a spectacular 18-member squad featuring big names like Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Zulfiqar Babar and Fawad Alam — accompanied by the priceless mentorship of Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketing icons.
The tournament is not only an opportunity for these experienced players to showcase their talent again but also a celebration of Pakistan’s cricket heritage. With former Test and international stars in the lineup, Pakistan enters the competition as one of the strongest contenders for the world title.
This long-form Cricketory analysis covers:
✅ Full squad breakdown & roles
✅ Afridi–Razzaq combination revived
✅ Why Miandad’s mentorship matters
✅ Expected Pakistan playing XI
✅ Strengths, weaknesses & strategy
✅ Veterans World Cup importance & format
✅ Pakistan’s title-winning chances
Let’s dive into the complete coverage👇
🇵🇰 Official Announcement: Pakistan Veterans Ready for 2025 Glory
The squad was revealed by Ijaz Ahmed Faqih, PVCA Chief Selector and former Test cricketer. It includes several legendary names who have served Pakistan cricket at the highest level for over two decades.
PVCA Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan declared confidence in the squad:
“This team represents the strength of Pakistan cricket at the veteran level.”
With Pakistan’s cricketing spirit stronger than ever, this event allows passionate fans to see their childhood heroes in action again — not retired, but reborn.
👑 Lead Like a Champion: Abdul Razzaq as Captain
Abdul Razzaq, one of the greatest all-rounders produced by Pakistan, has been trusted to lead from the front.
Career Highlights:
- 343 international matches
- 7,400+ runs
- 380+ wickets
- One of the most clutch finishers in world cricket
His ability to stabilize the innings and deliver breakthroughs in crunch moments still makes him invaluable. Pakistan could not have asked for a better leader.
💥 Boom Boom Is Back: Shahid Afridi Joins the Squad
When the name Shahid Khan Afridi appears — stadiums roar again.
- 524 internationals
- 11,000+ runs
- 540+ wickets
- One of the fastest century scorers in ODI history
- Global fan favorite & Pakistan’s biggest superstar
Afridi’s energy electrifies teams. His aggressive bowling, smart tactics, and big sixes remain match-winning weapons — even after 40.
He brings:
✔ Fear factor
✔ Crowd energy
✔ Tactical brilliance
✔ Winning mindset
Pakistan fans are set for nostalgia — with fireworks included. 💥
📌 Strengthening the Middle Order: Fawad Alam Named Vice-Captain
Fawad Alam, Pakistan’s unconventional yet technically solid left-hander, will serve as deputy leader.
- 2,000+ international runs for Pakistan
- First-class cricket legend with a phenomenal average
His experience is crucial, especially when stabilizing pressure situations.
Fawad’s leadership presence adds calmness to a squad full of aggressive players like Afridi and Razzaq.
🎯 Key Bowlers in the Squad
🔹 Sohail Khan — Raw Pace Threat
- 51 international wickets
- Known for stamina and death overs capability
His ability to swing the ball late will be vital on turning or flat pitches.
🔹 Zulfiqar Babar — Spin Maestro
- 54 wickets in 15 Test matches
- Outstanding control in T20 cricket
A crucial bowler to shut down scoring in the powerplay and middle overs.
🔹 Tabish Khan — Domestic beast
- Former Test player with a dominant first-class record
- Offers reliable partnerships with both spin and pace leaders
🔹 Supporting bowlers:
- Atif Maqbool
- Mohammad Suleman
- Tariq Mahmood
- Imran Ali
Together, this group gives Pakistan exceptional bowling depth.
🧢 Wicketkeeping & Utility Players
🧤 Humayun Farhat — former Pakistan wicketkeeper
🧤 Adnan Baig — backup keeper with strong domestic credentials
Multi-role players like Nadeem Javed, Javed Mansoor, and Sheharyar Ghani add:
✅ Finishing options
✅ Fielding depth
✅ Tactical flexibility
🧠 Big Brain Advantage: Javed Miandad Mentor Role
Javed Miandad isn’t just a mentor — he is a living cricket institute.
✔ Tactical intelligence
✔ Match awareness
✔ Mental toughness
✔ Reading bowler patterns like a chessboard
His philosophy?
“Never give up — Pakistan always fights till the last ball.”
This mindset is the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket history.
Miandad’s mentorship = a golden advantage.
Supporting staff:
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Jalaluddin |
| Team Manager | Azam Khan |
Jalaluddin’s coaching experience + Miandad’s cricketing genius = Perfect guidance.
✅ Pakistan Squad Full List for Over-40 T20 World Cup 2025
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Abdul Razzaq (c) | All-rounder |
| Fawad Alam (VC) | Batter |
| Shahid Afridi | All-rounder |
| Zulfiqar Babar | Spinner |
| Sohail Khan | Fast bowler |
| Tabish Khan | Fast bowler |
| Humayun Farhat | Wicketkeeper |
| Adnan Baig | Wicketkeeper |
| Sheharyar Ghani | Batter |
| Nadeem Javed | Batter |
| Irfan Mushtaq | Batter |
| Mohammad Ali | Bowler |
| Atif Maqbool | Bowler |
| Javed Mansoor | All-rounder |
| Hassan Nasir | Batter |
| Mohammad Suleman | Bowler |
| Tariq Mahmood | Bowler |
| Imran Ali | Bowler |
A perfect balance of:
⚡ All-rounders
⚡ Experience
⚡ Match-winning ability
🏆 Why This Team Can Win the World Cup
Pakistan’s top strengths:
| Strength | Impact |
|---|---|
| All-rounder core (Razzaq, Afridi) | Flexibility in match strategy |
| High-class spin attack | Control in middle overs |
| Experienced middle order | Lower collapse risk |
| World-class leadership | Smart decision-making |
| Big-match temperament | Confidence in pressure |
Teams facing Pakistan must be prepared — these legends thrive under spotlight.
⚠️ Challenges Pakistan Must Manage
| Concern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fitness load | Back-to-back T20s tough for senior players |
| Fielding agility | Age may reduce ground coverage |
| Over-aggressive batting | Risk of small collapses |
Smart rotation and calm middle-order batting will be key.
🔍 Expected Playing XI — Pakistan Veterans
1️⃣ Sheharyar Ghani
2️⃣ Nadeem Javed
3️⃣ Fawad Alam
4️⃣ Abdul Razzaq (C)
5️⃣ Shahid Afridi
6️⃣ Javed Mansoor
7️⃣ Humayun Farhat (wk)
8️⃣ Zulfiqar Babar
9️⃣ Sohail Khan
🔟 Tabish Khan
1️⃣1️⃣ Atif Maqbool
Bench impact players: Hassan Nasir, Irfan Mushtaq, Mohammad Suleman
🌍 About IMC Over-40 T20 World Cup
✔ Global tournament for cricket veterans
✔ Celebrates legends & promotes continued competitive cricket
✔ Format: Fast, entertaining T20 games
✔ Audience: Passionate fans missing their heroes
Pakistan fans worldwide see this as a fresh chance to witness icons play again.
🧠 Cricketory Expert Insights
- Pakistan enter the event as tournament favorites
- Afridi & Razzaq combo = explosive match control
- Spin domination will be Pakistan’s tactical edge
- Miandad’s presence mentally boosts the group
- This squad can win tight games through experience
Expect a fearless team that plays for pride, passion, and fans.
🙋 FAQs Pakistan Veterans Cricket Team 2025
Q1: Who is Pakistan’s captain for Over-40 T20 World Cup 2025?
👉 Abdul RazzaqQ2: Is Shahid Afridi playing in this World Cup?
👉 Yes, he is one of the star players.Q3: Who is the mentor of the squad?
👉 Javed MiandadQ4: Who announced the squad?
👉 PVCA Chief Selector Ijaz Ahmed FaqihQ5: When will the World Cup start?
👉 2025 (official dates to be revealed soon)🎯 Final Verdict Pakistan Ready for Veteran World Domination
The selection clearly shows Pakistan’s ambition:
🔥 Big stars
🔥 Proven match-winners
🔥 Legendary minds in management
Pakistan fans are about to experience:
✅ Nostalgia
✅ Passion
✅ Cricketing grace
✅ Tactical excellence
This is more than a tournament —
It is a celebration of Pakistan cricket’s greatest warriors.
🇵🇰 Once a champion…
Always a champion. 🏆
