New Delhi: Pakistan have finally ended the long wait and announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy beginning in Karachi on February 19. Saim Ayub, the in-form opening batter, missed out after failing to recover from an ankle injury he suffered in Pakistan’s New Year’s Test in Cape Town, South Africa.
Top-order batter Abdullah Shafique also missed the cut and made way for Babar to secure one of the top-order batting postitions.
Mohammad Rizwan will lead the squad in his first 50-over ICC tournament as Pakistan skipper.
2017 Champions Trophy hero returns
Seasoned opener Fakhar Zaman, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s win in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, has made a comeback to the side. The explosive batter had hit his maiden ODI hundred (114 off 106 deliveries) and powered Pakistan to their first ICC Champions Trophy title.
Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel have also returned to the side.
Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee hinted that Fakhar might open with Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel.
ICC Champions Trophy 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ winners announce squad for the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ event 🏆✨
How will you show your support for the Pakistan team❓#ChampionsTrophy | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/zDYPFuqzBU
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 31, 2025
The same 15-man squad will feature in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand as a tune-up event for the Champions Trophy. Aaqib Javed, who took charge as interim coach when Gary Kirsten stepped down in October, will continue to serve in the same role.
Pakistan’s 15-man squad for Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Champions Trophy 2025: Fakhar Zaman, who played a key role in Pakistan’s win in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, has made a comeback to the side. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
