ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board’s selectors have made bold calls ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, recalling explosive opener Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Khushdil Shah while opting for Faheem Ashraf over the Aamir Jamal.
The tournament will kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan also featuring in a Tri-series in the lead-up. Fakhar, who was overlooked for the recent African tour, has been drafted back into the 15-member squad, benefiting from Saim Ayub’s unfortunate ankle injury. The left-hander, currently showcasing his form in the ILT20 League in Dubai, is expected to provide Pakistan with an aggressive start at the top.
Khushdil’s inclusion stems from his all-round prowess, particularly on spin-friendly surfaces, making him a valuable backup to Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha in the spin department. In a move that has raised eyebrows, the selectors have backed Faheem Ashraf over Aamir Jamal, citing Faheem’s recent form and fitness in the Bangladesh League.
Additionally, Pakistan’s squad lacks a specialist opener to partner with Fakhar Zaman. As a result, the selectors are considering Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel to take up the role. “Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy,” said national selector Asad Shafiq.
Pakistan has enough time until February 11 to make any changes to the squad. After that, replacements will only be allowed on medical grounds, subject to approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.
The same squad will also feature in the tri-nation ODI series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, in the lead up to the Champions Trophy. There are four changes in the 15-player squad that last played an ODI series in South Africa late last year.
Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel. “Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy,” Asad added.
Selectors say that they have mentally prepared Babar Azam to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman in ODI. “The moment we realised that Saim Ayub will not be in a position to play Champions Trophy for Pakistan, we prepared Babar to open the innings like Tendulkar did. Babar is mentally prepared to open the innings,” one of the selectors said.
“The tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not only serve as preparation but also as a platform to refine our strategies under competitive conditions. It’s an excellent opportunity to give the players final touch-ups before defending the Champions Trophy at home.”
The Pakistan ODI squad will assemble in Lahore on Monday.
Upcoming ODIs: 8 Feb: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Lahore (tri-nation ODI series).
12 Feb: Pakistan vs South Africa, Karachi (tri-nation ODI series)
19 Feb: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025).
23 Feb: Pakistan vs India, Dubai (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)
27 Feb: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025).
Pakistan’s 15-player squad: Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir.
All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain).
Wicketkeeper-batters: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Usman Khan.
Spinner: Abrar Ahmed.
Fast bowlers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
