As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, Pakistan remains the only team yet to officially announce its squad, keeping fans and analysts on edge. With the tournament set to begin on February 19, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly in the final stages of selection, making some bold decisions regarding senior players and young talents.
Read More: England Defeats Pakistan by 6 Wickets in U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Clash
Fakhar Zaman’s Return Confirmed: One of the most significant developments is the return of Fakhar Zaman to the squad. Known for his fearless batting and heroics in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Fakhar’s inclusion brings much-needed experience to the top order. His comeback comes at a crucial time, especially after Saim Ayub’s injury, which left a gap in the batting lineup.
Abdullah Shafique & Usman Khan Face the Axe: Despite early promise, Abdullah Shafique’s inconsistent performances in high-pressure situations have put his Champions Trophy spot in jeopardy. While his technique is admired, his inability to convert starts into match-winning knocks has forced selectors to look at other options.
Similarly, Usman Khan, who struggled to cement his place in the national side, is likely to be left out. With Pakistan looking to strengthen its middle-order batting, the selectors appear to favor more reliable names.
Imam-ul-Haq vs. Haseebullah – The Final Call: Another major selection debate revolves around Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah. Imam’s experience and consistency in ODI cricket make him a strong candidate, but Haseebullah’s ability to bat aggressively while providing wicketkeeping depth presents an interesting alternative. The final decision is expected to go down to the wire.
Squad Outlook: Experience Meets Youth: While Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are expected to lead Pakistan’s charge, selectors are also looking to inject fresh talent into the squad. With Pakistan playing on home soil, expectations are high, and the management is focused on striking the perfect balance between experience and emerging talent.
With an official squad announcement imminent, the cricketing world is watching closely to see how Pakistan will shape its team for one of the most prestigious tournaments in white-ball cricket. Will the final selections pay off? The Champions Trophy 2025 will soon reveal all.
