The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently busy with preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the venues are yet to fully prepare for the return of the prestigious tournament. In this chaos, Pakistan are taking their time to announce their squad for Champions Trophy 2025.
The rest of all seven participants have already announced their main 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 to open for Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not given any reason why they are delaying the announcement of their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but still, they have until February 13 to pick their squad for the eight- national tournament.
As the suspense builds and fans eagerly await Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy 2025, a Samaa TV correspondent, Qadir Khawaja, revealed some interesting details about their squad. He revealed that Babar Azam will be promoted to the top order in the prestigious tournament.
What is even more interesting is that Fakhar Zaman is confirmed to return to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. But the most surprising news is that Fakhar Zaman will team up with Babar Azam at the top of the order to help Pakistan defend the trophy at home .
Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are set to quit 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 the setback has led to changes in the opening combination for the mega event.
Qadir Khawaja also claimed that Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood and opener Imam-ul-Haq will be dropped from the ODI squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament. With Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman set to open the innings, Kamran Ghulam is likely to slot in at number three.
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However, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood are likely to be picked as back-up opening options for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan's experienced Khushdil Shah is likely to return to the Men in Green for the tournament despite that he did not play international cricket for a year.
Fakhta told me that Fakhar Zaman will open with Babar Azam….
Not Shan Masood
No imam ul haq is in the team#PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy2025 #BabarAzam— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 23, 2025
Khushdil Shah is all set to make a surprise comeback for Champions Trophy 2025
However, Khushdil Shah's stunning form in Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 (BPL 2024-25) makes his case strong for the 50-over tournament. Khushdil Shah's impressive performances in domestic cricket including BPL 2024-25 have caught the attention of Pakistan selectors.
Khushdil's inclusion would add depth and versatility to the squad, so the all-rounder is almost a sure shot for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. 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 skipper 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 Champions Trophy 2025 opener in Karachi on February 19 and then India in a blockbuster clash on February 23 in Dubai.