Champions Trophy Pakistan Squad

Fakhar Zaman has been recalled to Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, marking his return after a dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over a social media post in October 2024. In what the PCB described as a "horses for courses" approach, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has also been brought back into the squad after last playing for Pakistan in 2023. Additionally, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel have been included. The same squad will feature in the ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand as part of their preparations for the Champions Trophy.

A major concern for Pakistan has been the unavailability of Saim Ayub, who is still recovering from an ankle fracture sustained during the Cape Town Test. Initially ruled out for six weeks, his chances of returning in time for the tournament were always uncertain. Earlier today, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Ayub’s recovery will take at least another four weeks, officially ruling him out of the event.

Another notable absence is Abdullah Shafique, who has been dropped following a poor run of form. In Pakistan’s recent ODI series against South Africa—which they won 3-0—Shafique became the first batter to record a duck in every match of a bilateral ODI series. With his exclusion, Pakistan is set to experiment with a new opening pair, with Fakhar Zaman expected to open alongside either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel. The PCB cited Babar’s success as an opener in Test cricket as a reason for considering him for the role.

"As for Fakhar’s opening partner, the decision will be based on match conditions, opposition, and overall strategy," said selection panel member Asad Shafiq. "Both Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel have the capability to fill that role, with Babar’s experience as an opener in T20s and his recent success in the Cape Town Test making him a strong contender."

Pakistan’s squad continues to focus on pace, a formula that contributed to their three consecutive away ODI series wins last year. The bowling attack includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain, while Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the 15-member squad.

Notably, Sufiyan Muqeem, who made an impressive ODI debut by taking four wickets in his only match, has not been selected. Also missing from the squad is Shadab Khan, who had captained Pakistan to victory in the Champions Cup in September.

Middle-order batter Irfan Khan has also been left out, despite being previously considered a key figure for his batting and fielding skills. Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion comes despite limited ODI appearances recently; however, his solid batting performances in the President Cup last October likely influenced the selectors' decision.

Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group fixtures

February 19 – vs New Zealand (Karachi)

February 23 – vs India (Dubai)

February 27 – vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)

Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah