Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy Squad Takes Shape, Saim Ayub’s Fitness Key Concern

Batter Fakhar Zaman is expected to return right in time

Mon Jan 13 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is poised to make minimal changes to its lineup for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the experienced batter Fakhar Zaman likely to make his comeback just in time for the mega tournament.

Insiders reveal that only one alteration is expected, placing the seasoned opener in the spotlight as he gears up to return.

Before the Champions Trophy kicks off, Pakistan will compete in a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa. The squad for this series will closely resemble that of the main event, but Zaman’s addition could play a crucial role, given his wealth of experience.

The fitness of rising star Saim Ayub is the pivotal factor in finalizing the Champions Trophy roster. His participation depends on his recovery, and selectors are poised to wait for updates on his fitness before settling on the final squad.

This uncertainty may delay their announcement, as the team must submit a preliminary list to the ICC a month ahead of the tournament.

The Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 12, 2025, requiring Pakistan to finalize their squad by the 11th at the latest. The final roster will be subject to ICC approval upon submission.

Players from the recent ODI series against South Africa, including captain Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, are anticipated to play key roles in both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy.

The squad for the ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand features Muhammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqim, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.

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