New Delhi: Pakistan has finally revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin in Karachi on February 19. Saim Ayub, the in-form opener, has been left out after not recovering in time from the ankle injury he sustained during Pakistan’s New Year’s Test in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ayub, who underwent surgery and rehab in London, will be a notable absence for the Men in Green at the 8-team event. Despite being the top performer for Pakistan in the South Africa ODI series with two centuries, Ayub couldn’t make the cut. Abdullah Shafique, another top-order batter, was also excluded, making room for Babar to secure a spot in the top-order. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team for his first ICC 50-over tournament as Pakistan captain.
2017 Champions Trophy hero returns:
Experienced opener Fakhar Zaman, who played a key role in Pakistan’s victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India, has made his return to the squad. The explosive batter scored his maiden ODI century (114 off 106 balls), leading Pakistan to their first ICC Champions Trophy title.
Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel have also rejoined the team. Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee, suggested that Fakhar could open alongside Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2⃣0⃣1⃣7⃣ winners announce squad for the 2⃣0⃣2⃣5⃣ 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-player squad will also participate in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand as a preparatory event for the Champions Trophy. Aaqib Javed, who assumed the role of interim coach following Gary Kirsten’s resignation in October, will remain in this position.
Pakistan’s 15-member 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