With a week to go until the first ball is bowled in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of Event Ambassadors that will feature to add to the fan experience.

Pakistan's 2017 winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed features in an all-star cast that also boasts two-time champion, Australia's Shane Watson, Player of the Series in India's 2013 trophy-winning campaign, Shikhar Dhawan, and New Zealand's legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee.

With a wealth of experience in the Champions Trophy, over the course of the coming weeks, the lineup will provide fans with unrivalled insights into the competition through guest columns and match attendance, sharing their thoughts on what promises to be a thrilling event, where the world's best eight teams will compete for the iconic white jackets.

Sarfaraz Ahmed: "I will never forget how special it felt to don the white jackets and lift the trophy aloft as Pakistan captain back in 2017. Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that's very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event.

"The format means that every game is so important, and I can't wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand."

Shikhar Dhawan: "It is such a special feeling to be part of a Champions Trophy, and to be given the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming edition as an Ambassador is an honour.

"Over the next few weeks, we'll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes. It's the ultimate competition where it's all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle."

Tim Southee: "I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. It is an event that I always enjoyed playing in and one that always delivers on entertainment and drama.

"As a player, you're aware that every game, every ball and every moment matters in the Champions Trophy format, and with so much at stake, I can't wait to see how the action will unfold."

Shane Watson: "The ICC Men's Champions Trophy is a truly unique event that has provided us with so many unforgettable moments down the years.

"With the top eight teams going head-to-head for the iconic white jackets, we are sure to see some extraordinary do-or-die cricket across three thrilling weeks."

Fans still have an opportunity to get their tickets for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 by clicking here to purchase online or visiting physical ticket providers in Pakistan, more information on locations here. Tickets for the Final, to be played on Sunday 9 March, will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.

Shaheens' squads named for CT warm-up matches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named the three Shaheens squads that will feature in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches in the build-up to the main event, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March.

For the 14 February match against Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan Shaheens will be captained by Shadab Khan, with Mansoor Amjad serving as coach-cum-manager. Meanwhile, for the 17 February match against South Africa at National Stadium, Mohammad Hurraira will lead the side, with Ijaz Ahmed Junior as coach-cum-manager.

On the same day (17 February) in Dubai, Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh, with Mohammad Haris as captain and Umar Gul as coach-cum-manager.

Shaheens squads:

vs Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - Shadab Khan (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Kashif Ali, Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir Khan, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Imran Randhawa and Muhammad Irfan Khan

vs South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi - Mohammad Huraira (captain), Amad Butt, Faisal Akram, Hassan Nawaz, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram and Saad Khan

vs Bangladesh, ICC Academy, Dubai - Mohammad Haris (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Azan Awais, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Moqim and Usama Mir.