Saim Ayub Misses Out, Fakhar Zaman Returns as Pakistan Name Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The squad includes the return of Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah. These four players have replaced Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim from the last ODI series against South Africa.

Squad Selection Based on Domestic Performances

National selector Asad Shafiq said that the selection was made based on players’ performances in domestic cricket under similar conditions. He added that the selectors followed a “horses-for-courses” approach while finalizing the squad.

Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the squad, while all-rounders Khushdil Shah and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha add more bowling options. The squad also includes emerging players like middle-order batters Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir, who have impressed in domestic cricket.

This will also be the same squad for the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa before the Champions Trophy.

Babar Azam Could Open the Innings

The PCB has hinted that Babar Azam might be given a new role as Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner. The other option for the opening spot is Saud Shakeel. The decision will depend on match conditions and strategy.

Babar has only opened twice in ODIs, both in 2015, but he has regularly played in that position in T20Is. He also performed well in the Cape Town Test recently, scoring two half-centuries in the absence of Saim Ayub.

Meanwhile, Saim Ayub has not been included in the squad due to an ankle injury. The selectors said they are hopeful about his recovery but do not want to take any risks with his long-term health.

Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

• Babar Azam
• Fakhar Zaman
• Kamran Ghulam
• Saud Shakeel
• Tayyab Tahir
• Faheem Ashraf
• Khushdil Shah
• Salman Ali Agha (Vice-captain)
• Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
• Usman Khan
• Abrar Ahmed
• Haris Rauf
• Mohammad Hasnain
• Naseem Shah
• Shaheen Shah Afridi

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