Pakistan have submitted their provisional squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Opener Fakhar Zaman and injured opener Saim Ayub have been included in the squad, which is to be led by batsman Mohammad Rizwan.
Fakhar Zaman has been withdrawn from the Pakistan team after disciplinary issues where he spoke out against Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decisions regarding Babar Azam. The board also noted that Zaman needs to prove his fitness to be selected again.
On the other hand, Saim Ayub has been one of Pakistan's best players in recent months. The left-handed opener collected runs in various formats and became the future of Pakistan cricket. However, he picked up an injury during the Test series against South Africa, which raised questions over his availability for the Champions Trophy.
Read also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Karun Nair to get BCCI's buy-back amid Rohit, Kohli's struggles
Pakistan announce provisional squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
According to Pakistan's local news channel Samaa TV, the PCB has sent its provisional list of players to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The team contains more than 15 players and will be reduced before the final submission date.
Fakhta told me that Pakistan had fielded an initial squad of over 20 players for the ICC Champions Trophy. The selection committee submitted the preliminary squad to the ICC two days ago.
The initial squad includes captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan…— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 12, 2025
The team is a good mix of youth and experience. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team after an impressive start to his tenure as captain. Babar Azam continues to be in the squad and will be important to his side's chances.
Saim Ayub's inclusion in the final squad depends on his form. The chances of him making the team are pretty slim considering the extent of his injury. After the injury, the PCB immediately sent him to the UK for further treatment.
With Ayub injured, the chances of making the final squad are increasing for Imam-ul-Haq, who was once an integral part of the ODI squad. Abdullah Shafique has found a place in the team but is unlikely to be in the final squad alongside Usman Khan.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, who has been one of the team's best performers across all formats in recent months, is a crucial part of the middle order and will be key to Pakistan's chances in the tournament. Haseebullah Khan finds a place in the team as the second wicketkeeper behind captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Powerful bowling attack
🚨 PCB sends provisional squad for Champions Trophy (Samaa TV)
Rizwan (C), Babar, Fakhar, Imam, Saim, Agha, Tayyab, Irfan, Sufiyan, Abrar, Shaheen, Rauf, Abbas, Naseem, Abdullah, Usman Khan and Haseebullah.
Saim Ayub's inclusion depends on his form
Abdullah and Usman… pic.twitter.com/aQqqhCaI4e
— junaiz (@dhillow_) January 12, 2025
The fast bowling looks in good form with Shaheen Afridi leading the pack. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain and Abbas Afridi are the other pacers in the team.
Young left-arm spin-bowling sensation Sufiyan Muqeem is finding a place and might even be in the Playing XI for the first match. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is the second spinner in the team. Both are likely to be part of the final team as well.
Pakistan's final squad for the Champions Trophy is likely to be announced on February 10, which will take place just nine days before the tournament. The Men in Green are the defending champions and will be looking to defend their title on home soil.
Pakistan's provisional squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (C) (wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah and Abbas Afridi