3 X-Factors In Pakistan Squad Who Can Help Them Win ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan have announced their Champions Trophy squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]Pakistan have announced their Champions Trophy squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its 15-member contingent for the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan are the hosts of the tournament and will face India, Bangladesh and New Zealand in the group stage. 

Although the unavailability of Saim Ayub is a huge setback for Pakistan, the inclusion of several x-factors might benefit them in the tournament, as mentioned below. 

1. Fakhar Zaman

  • Swashbuckling opening batter Fakhar Zaman made his comeback to the ODI team for the all-important Champions Trophy. 
  • In 81 ODI innings, Fakhar has struck 3492 runs at an average of 46.6 and a strike rate of 93.4. He has an impressive record at home, scoring 851 runs, including three tons, in 19 innings at an average of 47.28 and a strike rate of 88. 
  • Considering Pakistan's in-form opener Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, the hosts will heavily rely on Fakhar to provide them with a brisk start. Fakhar is one of the few Pakistan batters who can dominate the opposition with his scintillating stroke play. Also, given that he slammed a magnificent century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, the hosts would expect him to replicate a similar feat in high-stake matches of the tournament. 
  • Therefore, he is an x-factor in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad and it will be interesting to see how he goes about his business in the tournament.

2. Agha Salman

  • Experienced cricketer Agha Salman is all set to play as Pakistan's primary all-rounder in the ICC Champions Trophy. 
  • The 31-year-old cricketer has stunning numbers in ODI cricket. Besides scoring 696 runs at an average of 40.94 and a strike rate of 97.20, Salman has scalped 15 wickets in 21 ODI innings. He enjoyed stellar success in the recently concluded South Africa series, scoring 163 runs and scalping five wickets in three matches.
  • The pitches in Pakistan suit spin bowling. So, Agha Salman could be handy as a fifth bowling option for the hosts in the Champions Trophy. Also, given that he has amassed 253 runs at a blistering strike rate of 100.39 at home, we expect Salman to emerge as an X-factor for Pakistan in this tournament. 

3. Abrar Ahmed

  • Pakistan have included Abrar Ahmed as their solitary frontline spinner in the Champions Trophy squad. Abrar, who has ten wickets in four ODIs, can bamboozle the batters with his guile and variations in the middle overs. 
  • In his brief ODI career, Abrar has looked promising, recording an average of 15.80 and an economy of 4.39. The pitches in the subcontinent will offer genuine turn to the spinners. More importantly, Abrar is someone who believes in bowling wicket to wicket. So, he can exploit Pakistan's low-bounce surfaces and could be a game-changer for his side.