ISLAMABAD: One word that instantly springs to mind when discussing the Pakistan cricket team is “unpredictable.” The incredible side shone through in the latter months of 2024, when Pakistan bewildered everyone by defeating Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa at their home grounds, signalling one of the strongest competitors of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring a lineup that includes the likes of Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, and Haris Rauf.
However, this announcement has sparked two significant debates: the decision to retain all-rounder Faheem Ashraf despite his disappointing form over the last 20 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and the exclusion of in-form spinners Sajid Khan or Nauman Ali, particularly given the flatter pitches typically found in Pakistan and Dubai.
Not long after the announcement of the final squad, a number of former players, including the legendary Wasim Akram and Tanveer Ahmed, voiced their concerns regarding the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah for the Champions Trophy squad.
Legendary bowler, Wasim Akram, shared his concerns regarding the selection of the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, particularly criticising the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah.
Akram noted that while Faheem is a talented player, his recent performance—averaging 100 with the ball and only nine with the bat in the last 20 matches—raises questions. He also highlighted the decision to select just one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, for the tournament.
Akram welcomed Fakhar Zaman’s return and suggested Mohammad Rizwan should be a middle-order batter, backing Babar Azam to open.
Nonetheless, when examining the recent performances of the Pakistan team in ODIs, the lineup appears to have a solid balance.
In order to advance and transform its vulnerabilities into assets for the upcoming CT-2025, it’s important to thoroughly analyse Pakistan’s genuine strengths alongside its shortcomings. This will pave the way for securing the title and successfully defending it.

Squad composition and key players
The Pakistan team is a harmonious fusion of seasoned veterans and rising stars, striving to craft a well-rounded squad poised to take on the fiercest challenges in the sport.
Babar Azam – The batting maestro
Babar Azam, a linchpin of Pakistan’s batting order, remains a formidable run-machine across every format of the game. His graceful shot selection and unwavering consistency have garnered him accolades on a global scale.
In One Day Internationals, Babar’s remarkable average highlights his steadfast presence at the wicket, solidifying his reputation as a dependable batsman.
Fakhar Zaman – The aggressive opener
Fakhar Zaman returns to the squad after overcoming injury and illness that had sidelined him since June 2024. He demonstrated his return to form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024, where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at a strike rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has amassed 3,492 runs, including 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries, at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 93.4.
Emerging talents in batting lineup
The integration of talents such as Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir enriches the batting lineup significantly. Shakeel’s remarkable form in domestic Tests has earned him a well-deserved spot in the squad.
The left-handed batsman last graced the ODI stage against England during the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup 2023, yet he has dazzled this season with a stellar tally of 577 runs across 13 Test innings at home, boasting two centuries and two fifties against formidable opponents like Bangladesh, England, and the West Indies.
Shaheen Afridi – The spearhead of pace attack
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup. To manage his workload and ensure peak performance during the Champions Trophy, Shaheen was rested for the Test series against South Africa but is set to lead the pace attack in the upcoming tournament.
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah – The supporting pacers
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah complement Shaheen in the fast-bowling department. Haris brings raw pace and aggression, while Naseem’s youthful exuberance and ability to generate movement off the pitch add variety to the attack.
Spin options – Abrar Ahmed and others
The squad features Abrar Ahmed as a specialist spinner. His recent performances in domestic cricket have been impressive, and he will be eager to make an impact on the international stage.
Faheem Ashraf – Adding balance to team
Faheem Ashraf returns to the ODI squad, adding versatility and providing captain Mohammad Rizwan with additional options. His contributions with both bat and ball offer depth to the lineup.
Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha
Khushdil Shah, who last represented Pakistan in ODIs in August 2022, has earned the selectors’ nod after scoring 176 runs in the Champions One-Day Cup and taking nine wickets in the Champions T20 Cup. Salman Ali Agha, serving as vice-captain, brings leadership and all-round capabilities to the squad.
Strengths of squad: potent pace attack
Talking to WE News English, the cricket enthusiast Talha Shakil said that Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit is renowned for its ability to take early wickets, applying pressure on opposing teams from the outset. The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah offers a blend of pace, swing, and seam movement, making them a formidable force.
Another cricket lover, Aaqib Hassan Masood said that the batting lineup, anchored by Babar Azam, provides stability. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach at the top can set the tone for the innings, while emerging talents add depth to the middle order.
All-rounder contributions
Aftab Bashir, a cricket fanatic, is confident that Pakistan will triumph once more, stating, “With versatile all-rounders such as Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the lineup, we have the adaptability needed for both batting and bowling, enabling us to craft dynamic team strategies tailored to each match’s circumstances.”
However, he notes that only one player (out of these two) can take the spotlight at any given moment, and that player is Faheem Ashraf, especially with a batting order that includes Salman Agha, Saud Shakil, Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Kamran Ghulam, and Usman Khan.
Weaknesses and areas of concern
Pakistan’s batting lineup has sometimes shown a tendency to rely heavily on its top order, especially on key players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. This reliance can create weaknesses if early wickets are lost.
Although the middle order, which includes talents like Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir, has potential, it lacks significant experience in high-stakes international matches. Their capacity to stabilize innings during crucial moments remains a worry.
The spin department of the squad lacks experience, with Abrar Ahmed serving as the main specialist spinner. The lack of veteran spinners may present difficulties, particularly on pitches that favor spin. Relying on part-time spinners like Khushdil Shah may not be adequate when facing teams skilled at handling spin, indicating a potential weakness.

Historically, Pakistan’s fielding standards have faced scrutiny due to lapses in crucial moments. Instances of dropped catches and misfields have previously cost the team valuable matches. Recognizing this, the coaching staff has initiated focused fielding drills and fitness regimes to enhance agility and reflexes. However, the real test will be the implementation of these improvements under match conditions.
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Cricket enthusiasts regard Pakistan’s triumph in the 2017 Champions Trophy as a major achievement, particularly due to their impressive performance in the final against India. Fakhar Zaman’s century and a strong bowling effort led to a convincing victory, enhancing the team’s confidence and demonstrating their potential in international competitions.
“Nonetheless, Pakistan’s overall performance in the Champions Trophy has been erratic, characterized by both early exits and remarkable runs. Historical performances suggest a pattern of batting collapses and fielding errors. To succeed in the upcoming 2025 tournament, it will be crucial to tackle these recurring issues,” they noted.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi, and the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is set for February 23 in Dubai.