Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has an old connection with the Champions Trophy. The left-hander made a name for himself in international cricket through this edition of the tournament played in 2017 when he helped Pakistan win a historic title.
Eight years later, Zaman is back in the mix for the Champions Trophy, but his place in the squad is still not confirmed. The 2025 Champions Trophy faced many controversies which were mainly based on India’s tour to Pakistan.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, Fakhar Zaman is disappointed but at the same time excited to face them in Dubai.
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Fakhar Zaman talks about India not traveling to Pakistan
Speaking to Sports Tak, Fakhar Zaman was asked about India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He argued that the Indian team would have received an even bigger welcome than the one Pakistan received when they traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“If India had come to Pakistan, we would have given them even more welcome and hospitality, but they are not coming. It is fine, but we are excited to play against them in Dubai,” said Fakhar.
Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup when they played most of their matches in Hyderabad. Of all the venues, Pakistan played only in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.
They had a disappointing tournament and finished fifth in the points table. They even lost to Afghanistan in what turned out to be a shocking result. Because of this, the Men in Green failed to advance to the semi-finals.
We will miss playing in India – Fakhar Zaman
Speaking at the same platform, Fakhar Zaman admitted that he will miss playing on Indian soil as the team enjoyed good weather in the country during the World Cup 2023. He was also happy with the kind of support he got in India during the tournament.
“Yes, we will definitely miss (playing in India) as we really enjoyed our visit there for the ODI World Cup 2023. We were overwhelmed with the kind of support and hospitality we got there,” Zaman added.
As per the latest agreement between ICC, BCCI and PCB, India and Pakistan will not have to travel to another country for ICC events for the current cycle. While the other teams will play their matches in the host country, India and Pakistan will play their matches through a hybrid model in any other country.
Fakhar Zaman to be selected in Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy?
India and Pakistan are the only two teams in the Champions Trophy who have not announced their final squads so far. Pakistan are believed to have sent their preliminary squad but will whittle down the squad to 15 players by February 10.
Fakhar Zaman is in line to be picked for the Champions Trophy despite not playing an ODI since the ODI World Cup 2023. Zaman was earlier dropped from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the tour of Australia after he criticized the PCB’s decision to drop Babar Azam.
Pakistan will open their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The men in green will next face arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23. They will face Bangladesh in the final group game on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
