3 min read
Pakistan has finally announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy, after much anticipation and a significant delay. The deadline for the provisional squad submission was January 12, but the official announcement was postponed. In an unfortunate turn of events, southpaw Saim Ayub, one of the promising young talents, has been ruled out of the squad due to an ankle fracture he sustained during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairperson Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Ayub's recovery will take at least four more weeks, ruling him out of the prestigious tournament.
On a more positive note, left-handed top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has made a return to the national setup after a brief period of absence. Zaman had fallen out of favor with the PCB following a controversial social media post in October 2024. However, his return signals a reconciliation with the board, and he is expected to add depth to Pakistan's top order in the Champions Trophy. With these updates, Pakistan's squad now includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, and the team will be looking to make a strong impact in the tournament, scheduled to be held in 2025.
Bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who last represented Pakistan in 2023, has been included in the squad for the Champions Trophy. Ashraf’s all-round skills make him a valuable asset, offering balance to the team. However, there were a few notable exclusions, including top-order batter Abdullah Shafique, who lost his spot in the ODI setup following a prolonged lean patch during the series against South Africa. Despite his potential, Shafique’s inconsistent performances led to his omission.
On the other hand, Saud Shakeel and Khushdil Shah have earned their places in the squad, with both players adding depth and versatility to Pakistan’s middle order. Shakeel’s solid technique and Shah’s aggressive approach make them crucial components in Pakistan's lineup for the upcoming tournament. As for the opening partnership, former middle-order batter and current selection panel member Asad Shafique hinted that Fakhar Zaman would likely be paired with another experienced player at the top of the order. This strategic move aims to provide stability to the opening combination, ensuring a solid foundation for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. With a balanced squad, Pakistan will look to make a strong impact on the international stage.
"Fakhar's opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub's absence," stated Asad Shafique on the team selection.
"One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility - an essential trait in today's modern-day cricket. We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal," he added.
Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Pakistan name ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) January 31, 2025
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