Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad

Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf in strong comeback for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad.

Advertisement

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, Pakistan has taken the important decision to recall two key players Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf effective for their game. While Fakhar was not seen since his public spat with the PCB in October 2024, following a controversial social media post, Faheem Ashraf has not played any international cricket since 2023 and has sufficient experience to help the team go through the tournament.

In addition to the returning pair, the team also includes fresh faces like Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel, who have impressed one and all with their performances in domestic cricket. Their inclusion has brought fresh energy and depth to the team and provides important options for the competition. The same squad will participate in an ODI triangular series against South Africa and New Zealand, which would be a precursor to the Champions Trophy.

Saim Ayub is Missing Due to Injury

Advertisement

Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad
Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad

The young opener Saim Ayub is also missing from the squad. Ayub suffered an ankle fracture during the Cape Town Test and was expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. Although there were hopes that he would recover faster, it has been confirmed that he will require at least four more weeks to return to full fitness.

Consequently, Ayub will not be able to play in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan will have to look for alternative top-order batsmen. Ayub’s injury will see a massive overhaul of Pakistan’s batting line-up.

Abdullah Shafique Shockingly Left Out

Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad
Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad

In another surprise move, Abdullah Shafique has been left out of the Champions Trophy squad. The opening batter was dropped following a series of poor performances, including a record-breaking run of ducks in the recent ODI series against South Africa. Shafiq became the first player in history to be dismissed for zero in every match of a completed series.

Therefore, Pakistan will have to field a completely new opening combination. One name that is looking a certainty here is Fakhar Zaman, however, Babar Azam will either open himself or Saud Shakeel will probably accompany him to Pakistan.

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel: Are they the future of Pakistan Opening?

Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad
Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad

Saim Ayub missed the cut due to his bad performance, plus, Abdullah Shafiq was omitted for the new look opening which would be not that sure now with Fakhar Zaman. Babar Azam, being a regular member of the middle order, will be considered an opener in this series too. He already has experience with opening in T20Is.

He has made his presence well known in the Test series against South Africa by getting two half-centuries when Ayub was unavailable. Saud Shakeel, also in good form lately, would be another excellent candidate to be an opener at the top. The decision will most probably depend on match conditions and the opposition, with Pakistan’s selectors looking to strike a balance between experience and youth at the top.

Retained Fast-Bowling Unit and Spin Attack Adjustments

Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad
Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad

The only department of the Pakistan cricket team that is stable is its fast-bowling department. The pace attack that helped the Pakistani team gain victory in its recent overseas ODI series will not be altered. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain are likely to retain their places and continue to serve as the base of Pakistan’s bowling attack. This combination will surely prove important for Pakistan’s win in the Champions Trophy.

However, the spin department is seen in a slight variation. While Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the squad, Sufiyan Mukarram, who impressed in his ODI debut, has been excluded. Also dropped is Shadab Khan, who had captained Pakistan in the last Champions Trophy. This decision was more on the selection committee’s desire to have more of pace in view of the conditions during the tournament.

Youth and Experience Among Players in the Squad

The Pakistan squad selected clearly reflects the need to balance youth and experience. According to Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection panel, flexibility is key in modern cricket, and the team has been chosen with a wide range of options in mind. This allows Pakistan to adapt to various conditions and match situations during the Champions Trophy. Captain Mohammad Rizwan will have the tools at his disposal to make strategic decisions throughout the tournament.

Faheem Ashraf’s Redemption After Struggling Champions Trophy Performance

Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad
Champions Trophy: Zaman And Ashraf Gets A Spot In Squad

One of the interesting inclusions of the team is Faheem Ashraf who had a mediocre outing in the 2023 Champions Trophy, but his success with the bat in the President’s Cup back in October won him a second chance. Apparently, the selectors believe in his talent, and Ashraf, with his middle-order experience, could be handy for Pakistan going deep into the tournament.

Pakistan is to start its campaign in the Champions Trophy by hosting New Zealand in Karachi on 19th February 2025. Pakistan would then take on India in Dubai before it played Bangladesh on February 27 at Rawalpindi in their last league stage match. Such high-octane contests are likely to send out clear messages about other participants in this event, and Pakistan will definitely be keen on getting established as a strong challenger to the trophy.

The Final Squad

Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is as follows:

– Fakhar Zaman
– Babar Azam
– Kamran Ghulam
– Saud Shakeel
– Tayyab Tahir
– Faheem Ashraf
– Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper)
– Khushdil Shah
– Salman Agha
– Usman Khan
– Abrar Ahmed
– Shaheen Shah Afridi
– Mohammad Hasnain
– Haris Rauf
– Naseem Shah

Pakistan is ready to face the world’s best with a mix of experienced players and promising new talent in what promises to be a thrilling Champions Trophy campaign. The balance, flexibility, and depth of the squad will be key factors in their pursuit of glory.

ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Series Victory Accomplished By India