Pakistan have submitted their provisional squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Discarded opener Fakhar Zaman and the injured opener Saim Ayub have been included in the squad, which is set to be led by the wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Fakhar Zaman was dropped from Pakistan’s team after disciplinary issues in which he spoke against the decisions of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding Babar Azam. The board further mentioned that Zaman needs to prove his fitness in order to be selected again.
On the other hand, Saim Ayub has been one of the best players in Pakistan over the past few months. The left-handed opener has amassed runs across formats and has emerged as the future of Pakistan cricket. However, he got injured during the Test series against South Africa which raised questions over his availability for the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan announce provisional squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
According to Pakistan’s local news channel Samaa TV, the PCB has submitted their list of provisional players to the International Cricket Council (ICC) The squad contains more than 15 players and it will be trimmed down in before the final submission date.
Fakhta told me that Pakistan has submitted an initial squad of more than 20 players for the ICC Champions Trophy,.The selection committee submitted the preliminary squad to the ICC two days ago.
The initial squad includes captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan…— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 12, 2025
The squad is a good mix of youth and experience. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team after the impressive start to his captaincy tenure. Babar Azam continues to be in the team and will be important to his team’s chances.
Saim Ayub’s inclusion in the final squad depends on his fitness. The chances of him making it into the squad are pretty low given the extent of his injury. After his injury, the PCB immediately sent him to the UK for further treatment.
With Ayub injured, the chances of getting into the final squad increase for Imam-ul-Haq, who was once an integral part of the ODI squad. Abdullah Shafique has found a place in the squad but is unlikely to be in the final squad alongside Usman Khan.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, who has been one of the best players of the team across formats in the last few months, is a crucial part of the middle order and will be key to Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. Haseebullah Khan finds a place in the team as the second wicketkeeper behind the captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Strong bowling attack
🚨 PCB Submits Provisional Squad for Champions Trophy (Samaa TV)
Rizwan (C), Babar, Fakhar, Imam, Saim, Agha, Tayyab, Irfan, Sufiyan, Abrar, Shaheen, Rauf, Abbas, Naseem, Abdullah, Usman Khan, and Haseebullah.
Saim Ayub’s inclusion depends on his fitness
Abdullah and Usman… pic.twitter.com/aQqqhCaI4e
— junaiz (@dhillow_) January 12, 2025
The fast bowling looks in good shape with Shaheen Afridi leading the pack. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, and Abbas Afridi are the other pacers in the squad.
Young left-arm spin-bowling sensation Sufiyan Muqeem also finds a place and could even be in the Playing XI for the first match. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is the second spinner in the squad. Both are likely to be a part of the final squad as well.
Pakistan’s final squad for the Champions Trophy is likely to be announced on February 10, which will be just nine days prior to the tournament. The Men in Green are the defending champions and will be looking to defend their title on home soil.
Pakistan’s provisional squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (C) (wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Hasibullah, and Abbas Afridi