WCL 2025 – England Champions vs Pakistan Champions: Players to Watch Out For

As the first match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 arrives, fans of cricket are in for a treat as the Champions of England face off with the Champions from Pakistan. To add to the competitive spirit, the champions of the game are set to return to the field, which adds to the nostalgia and entertainment of the match. While the heroes of our cricketing past are not available for international selection, their ability, experience, and love for the game remain intact, making this a game very much worth watching.

Match Details

• Match: England Champions vs Pakistan Champions (Match 1, WCL 2025)
• Date: July 18, 2025
• Time: 9:00 PM IST
• Venue: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

 Players to Watch Out For

 England Champions

• Kevin Pietersen (Captain) – Now that we are well past his batting prime, Pietersen is still a brute of a striker. Early on, his aggressive batting can change the game.
• Luke Wright—The first over or two for Wright not only gives the bowling team an idea of what to expect as a batsman but also terrifies any bowler. He knows no fear and can set the tone in the power play.
• Ravi Bopara—the dependable all-rounder who can contribute with bat and ball, if called upon, and has played in finals before.
• Graeme Swann—With his spin/control in the middle overs, he can squeeze the opposition and reap the rewards of impatient batsmen.
• Ian Bell – Classy and elegant, Bell can keep the innings on track and force the opposition to work hard to take wickets in a closing situation.

Pakistan Champions

• Shahid Afridi—Afridi is a match-winning player with his leg spin and ability to hit big, and he is always a threat.
• Mohammad Amir—Even at this age, Amir can still swing it and is very fast and can trouble any batter at the start of their innings, especially as a new ball bowler.
• Shoaib Malik—As a middle-order player, Malik brings calm and experience to the table, especially in tight run chases.
• Umar Gul—Gul is known for his death bowling, and he can control the match with just two or three specific overs remaining.
• Kamran Akmal—Akmal is an explosive opener who can provide a fast start with the bat

Also read:WCL 2025 match 1 weather and pitch report: England Champions vs Pakistan Champions

Probable Playing XI – England Champions vs Pakistan Champions

England Champions Squad (Captain: Kevin Pietersen)
Steve Harmison, Craig Kieswetter, Michael Carberry, Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Monty Panesar, Tim Bresnan, Darren Maddy, Graeme Swann, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Jade Dernbach, Owais Shah

Pakistan Champions Squad (Captain: Younis Khan)
Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Nazir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi