Fakhar Zaman Return as Pakistan Announces Squad

Pakistan finalizes its squad with key comebacks, while Saim Ayub remains sidelined with injury.

Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf Make a Comeback

Pakistan has announced its squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, bringing back experienced players Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf. Fakhar, who had a fallout with the PCB over a social media post last year, returns to the side after missing ODIs since the 2023 World Cup. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who last played for Pakistan in 2023, also makes a surprise comeback.

The same squad will compete in an ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand before heading into the Champions Trophy.

Saim Ayub Still Unavailable

Young opener Saim Ayub remains unavailable due to an ankle fracture sustained during the Cape Town Test. Initially ruled out for six weeks, his recovery has been slower than expected. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Ayub is still “at least four weeks” away from full fitness.

Changes in the Opening Pair

Abdullah Shafique has been dropped following a disastrous ODI series against South Africa, where he became the first player to score a duck in every match of a three-game series. With his exclusion, Pakistan will field a new opening combination.

Fakhar Zaman is likely to open alongside either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel. The PCB highlighted Babar’s success as an opener in T20Is and Tests, suggesting he could take on the role in ODIs as well.

Pace Attack Remains Pakistan’s Strength

Pakistan has maintained its pace-heavy approach, which contributed to three consecutive away ODI series wins last year. The squad features Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain as the primary fast-bowling options.

There is only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. Notably, Sufiyan Muqeem, who impressed on debut, and former white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan, who led Pakistan to Champions Cup victory, have been left out.

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Selection Committee’s View

Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection panel, emphasized the squad’s adaptability. “One of the standout qualities of this team is its flexibility—an essential trait in modern cricket. This squad has the right mix of youth and experience and offers versatility in various conditions,” he stated.

Each player has been chosen with a specific role in mind, ensuring the captain has multiple options for different match situations.

Irfan Khan Dropped, Faheem Ashraf Earns Recall

Irfan Khan, who was being considered as a middle-order option, has not made the final cut. Faheem Ashraf’s recall comes despite limited ODI appearances in recent years. His strong performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the President’s Cup, helped him regain a spot.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Schedule

Pakistan’s first match in the Champions Trophy is against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. They then travel to Dubai for a highly anticipated clash against India before concluding their group stage against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

• Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah