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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently busy with preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the venues are yet to be fully prepared for the return of the prestigious tournament. In this chaos, Pakistan are taking their time to announce their Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
The remaining seven participants have already announced their main squads for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but the hosts and defenders are yet to name their final 15 even though the deadline to announce provisional squads ended on 12 January
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 13 February to choose his squad for the eight- national tournament.
As suspense builds and fans eagerly await Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, 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.
An even more interesting thing is that Fakhar Zaman is confirmed to return to the Pakistan team for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. But the most surprising news is that Fakhar Zaman will join hands with Babar Azam at the top of the order to help Pakistan to defend the trophy at home.
Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq pulled out of 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 due to an ankle injury and this setback has reportedly prompted changes in the opening combination of the mega event.
Qadir Khawaja also claimed that Pakistan’s 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 reserve opening options for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder Khushdil Shah is likely to make a surprise comeback to the Men in Green for the tournament despite not playing international cricket for a year.
Fakhta told me that Fakhar Zaman will open with Babar Azam….
No Shan Masood
There is no imam ul haq in the squad#PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy2025 #BabarAzam— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 23, 2025
Khushdil Shah is all set for a surprise comeback for Champions Trophy 2025
However, Khushdil Shah’s impressive form in the 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 line-up, making the all-rounder almost a sure shot for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Abdullah Shafique is currently not on the radar of the tournament selectors.
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 at the start of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Karachi on February 19 and then India in a blockbuster clash on February 23 in Dubai.
