Pakistan recalls Fakhar, Saud in 15-man squad for ICC Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.

The PCB has the option to modify the squad until February 11; after that date, changes will only be allowed for medical reasons, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technical Committee.

This squad will also participate in a tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, taking place in Lahore and Karachi, as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Muqeem have been left out from the team that played the ODI series in South Africa late last year.

Saim Ayub was not selected as he is still recovering from an ankle injury. The PCB has prioritized his long-term well-being over making a hasty decision to include him in the Champions Trophy.

Fakhar Zaman has returned to the squad after recovering from injuries and illness that kept him out of international cricket since June 2024. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has also been recalled, as he could play a new role as an opener.

National Selection Committee member Asad Shafiq stated, “Fakhar Zaman’s return is a significant boost for our top-order. His aggressive approach and match-winning capabilities are vital to our plans.”

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is also back in the ODI squad, with the selectors eyeing him as a potential opener in the absence of Saim.

“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence,” Shafiq added.

All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah have also been recalled to the ODI squad, bringing flexibility and additional options for captain Mohammad Rizwan.

“Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin attack, supported by Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha, who offer reliable slow-bowling options, while Faheem Ashraf’s experience and presence gives us a fast-bowling all-rounder’s option.”

Since the conclusion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan has played three ODI series, securing victories against reigning world champions Australia (2-1), Zimbabwe (2-1), and South Africa (3-0).

The Pakistan ODI squad will gather in Lahore on Monday, February 3.

Pakistan’s squad

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi