Pakistan have recalled opener Fakhar Zaman for their Champions Trophy title defence at home. Only three players from Pakistan’s 2017 title winning campaign have made it to the squad now including Fakhar Zaman who hammered a memorable century in the final against India. While injury and illness had sidelined him since June 2024, the opener Fakhar Zaman showcased good form in the Champions T20 Cup to earn his spot with Abdullah Shafique getting axed and Saim Ayub sidelined with an injury.
Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 in Karachi. In a major blow to the team, young opener Saim Ayub has missed out on the team after failing to recover in time from the ankle injury he sustained during the second Test against South Africa. Announcing the 15-man squad for the tournament that begins on February 19, national selector Asad Shafique also confirmed that either Babar Azam or the recalled Saud Shakeel will open with Fakhar Zaman in the tournament.
Hosts Pakistan recalls explosive opener Fakhar Zaman for Champions Trophy 2025
Fakhar Zaman has been brought back into Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, after a spat with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over a social media post in October 2024. The team also sees the return of Faheem Ashraf, who last played for his country in international cricket in 2023. This new-look squad will play not just the Champions Trophy but also an ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Pakistan’s star player Saim Ayub won’t be featuring in the Champions Trophy after suffering an ankle fracture during the Cape Town Test. While he was initially expected to be out for six weeks, it was later revealed that his recovery would take longer. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Ayub’s return is still “at least four weeks” away, ruling him out of the tournament.
Abdullah Shafique’s recent dip in form has seen him dropped from the squad for the Champions Trophy. During the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, which Pakistan won 3-0, Shafique became the first player to be dismissed for a duck in every match of a series. This means that Pakistan will have a new opening pair, with Fakhar likely to partner either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel.
The Champions Trophy squad remains pace-heavy, a formula that has helped Pakistan win three back-to-back away ODI series in the past. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain all find a place in the final 15. However, only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, has been picked. Neither Sufiyan Muqeem nor Shadab Khan have made it to this squad.
“The inclusion of emerging players like mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and middle-order batters Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir reflects our confidence in their ability to translate domestic success into international impact,” Shafiq said after announcing the squad.
“These players have shown the temperament and skill to thrive in challenging environments and have a deep understanding of home conditions.
Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah have also earned recalls after they delivered with both and ball in domestic competitions recently. Their three-dimensional abilities will help Pakistan in playing different combinations according to the pitch conditions. Known for their big-hitting abilities, these two dashers can ace the finisher’s role. Meanwhile, batter Tayyab Tahir, who recently made his ODI debut, retains his place in the team. Kamran Ghulam is the other inexperienced batter in the team.
“Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin attack, supported by Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha, who offer reliable slow-bowling options, while Faheem Ashraf’s experience and presence gives us a fast-bowling all-rounder’s option. Fakhar Zaman’s return is a significant boost for our top-order. His aggressive approach and match-winning capabilities are vital to our plans.”
Only three players from Pakistan’s 2017 title-winning Champions Trophy squad have been selected for the upcoming event – Fakhar, Babar, and Faheem. Meanwhile, this will also be Rizwan’s maiden ICC tournament as the captain of the Pakistan team. This new-look squad will play not just the Champions Trophy but also an ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand. Pakistan can make any final tweaks to the team by February 11.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy : Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi