Fakhar Zaman has made a significant return to Pakistan's cricket squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, marking a resolution to his previous conflict with the Pakistan Cricket Board that stemmed from an October 2024 social media incident. The squad, deemed "horses for courses" by the PCB, also sees the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf, who last participated in international cricket in 2023. Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel have also secured spots in the roster. This team will also engage in the ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, serving as preparation prior to the Champions Trophy.
The announcement highlights a concern that has been swirling within the cricketing circles in Pakistan: Saim Ayub remains out due to an ankle injury he sustained during a recent Test match in Cape Town. Initially projected to be sidelined for six weeks, recent comments from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi indicate that Ayub's return could be delayed by at least another month, diminishing the likelihood of his participation in the Champions Trophy. The absence of Abdullah Shafique is also noted, as the player's recent form has not met expectations, with his performance in the ODI series against South Africa being particularly poor; he infamously became the first player to record three ducks in a single series.
In light of these changes, Pakistan's opening pairing will undergo a transformation. Fakhar is expected to team up with either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel. The PCB has acknowledged Babar's success in the opening role during Test matches as a crucial factor in their decision. The flexibility in selecting the opening partner will depend on various strategic considerations like pitch conditions and opposition strengths.
Insights from Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection panel, shed light on the dynamics of the opening partnership. He noted that Babar Azam, known for his extensive experience, regularly opens in T20 internationals and has also demonstrated excellent form in the recent Test series, scoring notable half-centuries in Saim Ayub's absence. This versatility is expected to strengthen Pakistan's top order.
The squad retains a strong pace attack, which has been instrumental in Pakistan’s recent away ODI successes. Key pacers include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain, accompanied by one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. Notably, players like Sufiyan Muqeem, who had an impressive debut, and Shadab Khan, despite his previous leadership successes, have not been included in the final fifteen.
Shafiq emphasized the importance of adaptability in the modern game, hinting that this squad strikes a balance between experienced players and promising newcomers. Each member has been selected with a specific role in mind, which grants the captain a range of versatile options.
Another player who will miss the Champions Trophy is Irfan Khan, quiাপনfd 만born merk 등), যিএকানাবং enables a .faheem'sitter requisite performom, having Smithi ice.eaخ 없다ar>. Faheem Ashraf's recall follows an inconsistent performance in the recent Champions Cup, but his strong batting displays during the President Cup in October seem to have contributed significantly to his selection.
Pakistan's journey in the Champions Trophy commences on February 19, 2025, against New Zealand in Karachi. This will be followed by a highly anticipated match against India in Dubai. The final group stage encounter will take place against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
As the team gears up for this prestigious tournament, the mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents offers a promising outlook for Pakistan's cricketing aspirations on the international stage. The squad's composition underscores the PCB's commitment to equipping the team with the best possible resources, ensuring that they are well-prepared to face formidable opponents in the tournament ahead.