ISLAMABAD : Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and the UAE, is expected to feature the return of key players, including Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Fakhar Zaman.
Reports indicate that the defending champions, Pakistan, are likely to field a squad consisting of seven batsmen, four fast bowlers, three spinners, and one wicketkeeper. Mohammad Rizwan is expected to be the sole wicketkeeper in the squad, while Usman Khan, who was included as the second wicketkeeper during the South Africa ODI series, is unlikely to be retained.
The pace attack will likely feature Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Mohammad Hasnain also in contention for the fourth fast bowler spot.
In terms of spinners, Shadab Khan, who was dropped after the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024, is set to make a strong return. After being omitted from Pakistan’s tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Shadab impressed in domestic tournaments, including the Champions One-Day Cup, where he scored 120 runs and took 5 wickets across five matches.
Imam-ul-Haq, the 29-year-old left-handed opening batsman, is also expected to return to the squad. Imam has a strong record in ODIs, scoring 3,138 runs in 72 matches at an average of 48.27. His recent performances in the Champions One-Day Cup and Champions T20 tournament further strengthen his chances.
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Fakhar Zaman, the 34-year-old aggressive opener, is also likely to make his way back into the squad. Fakhar, who has played 82 international ODIs for Pakistan, impressed in the recent Champions T20 tournament, scoring 303 runs in 10 matches, including two half-centuries. His fitness will be closely monitored, as per his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
With these players returning to the fold, Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy in 2025 looks set to feature some of its most experienced and in-form players, strengthening their bid for another successful campaign in the prestigious tournament.
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