Pakistan has announced its preliminary squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, featuring 18 players, with Fakhar Zaman making a return to the lineup. Zaman had been out of contention after a controversial post on X, but his inclusion marks a significant development. The list, revealed by The Tribune, also includes big names such as captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
Interestingly, the selectors have submitted a list of over 20 players to the ICC, with potential additions to the squad ahead of the tournament. One of the notable absentees from the 18-player list is Saim Ayub, who has been recovering from an injury. While the selectors remain hopeful about his participation, his omission from the current list raises questions about his chances for the Champions Trophy.
In terms of the middle order, the squad features promising players like Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, and Salman Ali Agha, all of whom impressed during the South Africa series. However, there is a notable absence in the spin department, with Shadab Khan missing from the squad. The selectors seem to have moved on from the leg-spinner, opting for Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, who have been in good form recently.
On the bowling front, Mohammad Hasnain joins the pace trio of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, rounding out a formidable pace attack. The Champions Trophy will kick off for Pakistan with a match against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s Preliminary Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafiq, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah, Abbas Afridi.
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