The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently busy preparing for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the venues are not yet fully prepared for the return of the prestigious tournament. In this chaos, the time is right for Pakistan to announce their squad for Champions Trophy 2025.
The rest of the seven participants have already announced their primary squads for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but the hosts and defending champions are yet to name their final 15 despite the deadline to announce provisional squads ending on January 12.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman open for Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not given any reasons why it is delaying the announcement of its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but they still have until February 13 to pick their squad for the eight-nation tournament.
As suspense mounts and fans eagerly await Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, Samaa TV Correspondent Qadir Khawaja has revealed some interesting details about their squad. He revealed that Babar Azam will be promoted to the top order in the prestigious tournament.
The more interesting thing is that Fakhar Zaman has been confirmed to return to Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. But the most surprising news is that Fakhar Zaman will partner with Babar Azam at the top of the order to help Pakistan defend the trophy at home.
Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq dropped from Pakistan’s ODI squad
In a blow to Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hopes, young opener Saim Ayub is set to miss the tournament with an ankle injury and this setback has reportedly led to changes in the opening combination for the mega event.
Qadir Khawaja also claimed that Shan Masood, Pakistan’s Test captain and opener, Imam-ul-Haq, will be dropped from the ODI squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament. With Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman to open the innings, Kamran Ghulam is likely to be at number three.
Also Read: “He’s very smart” – Brad Hogg announces dark horse as future Indian captain
However, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood are likely to be selected as back-up opening options for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder Khushdil Shah is likely to make a sudden return to the Men in Green for the tournament despite not playing an international cricket for a year.
Fakhta told me that Fakhar Zaman will open with Babar Azam….
Not Shan Masood
Imam ul haq is not in the squad#PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy2025 #BabarAzam— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 23, 2025
Khushdil Shah all set for surprise comeback for Champions Trophy 2025
However, Khushdil Shah’s incredible form in Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25. (BPL 2024-25) makes his case strong for a 50-plus tournament. Khushdil Shah’s impressive performances in domestic cricket, including BPL 2024-25, have caught the attention of the Pakistan selectors.
Khushdil’s inclusion would add depth and variety to the squad, so the all-rounder is an almost certain chance for the ICC Champions Trophy squad in 2025. Abdullah Shafique is currently not on the selectors’ radar for the tournament.
Well, the rest of the Pakistan squad is expected to remain unchanged, with captain Mohammad Rizwan and pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf likely to retain their places.
Notably, Pakistan will face New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on February 19, followed by India in a big clash on February 23 in Dubai.
