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Fakhar Zaman And...? 3 Potential Surprising Inclusions In Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Debashis Sarangi

Fakhar Zaman could be in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad [Source: @itsAhmerr/X]Fakhar Zaman could be in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad [Source: @itsAhmerr/X]

With each passing day, we are inching a step closer towards the much-awaited Champions Trophy, set to commence on the 19th of February. While seven participating teams have announced their squad, the PCB has yet to reveal Pakistan's team for the marquee event. 

While the discussions have mostly been around Saim Ayub's injury, some fans and experts are expecting several veteran players' inclusion in the squad. So, before the PCB officially unveils its contingent, here are three players who could be the surprising picks in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad. 

1. Fakhar Zaman

  • Pakistan's veteran opener Fakhar Zaman played his final ODI during the 2023 ICC World Cup in India. The swashbuckling southpaw exhibited remarkable form in the tournament, scoring 220 runs at an average of 73.33 and a magnificent strike rate of 122.91. 
  • Despite his prolific performance, Fakhar faced an ouster from the ODI side and couldn't make a comeback due to fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique cemented their places in the ODI team in his absence, playing several noteworthy knocks for the side. 
  • However, with Saim Ayub nursing an ankle injury and Abdullah Shafique struggling with poor batting form, Pakistan might give Fakhar a wild-card entry into their Champions Trophy squad. His scintillating stroke play and knack for delivering on big occasions can help Pakistan defend their Champions Trophy title. 

2. Tayyab Tahir

  • If Saim Ayub gets fit, he will spearhead Pakistan's top order with one of Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan following the opening duo. However, Pakistan definitely lacks depth in their middle order despite Kamran Ghulam showing promising signs as an aggressor in the latter phases of the game. 
  • While Irfan Khan Niazi has flopped as an accelerator, Pakistan might keep an extra middle-order batter in their Champions Trophy squad. Tayyab Tahir could be the frontrunner for an additional batter slot, having recorded impressive numbers in the domestic circuit.
  • In 76 List-A innings, Tahir has struck 3353 runs at a superb average of 47.22 and a strike rate of 87.47. His ability to stabilise the innings and capitalise on home conditions might make him a crucial player for the hosts in the tournament. 

3. Abbas Afridi

  • Right-arm fast bowler Abbas Afridi has been a regular face in Pakistan's T20I setup. In 18 T20Is, Afridi has bagged 30 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 10.7. However, despite his prolific T20I run, the ace speedster has yet to play an ODI for Pakistan. 
  • Although he hasn't made his ODI debut, Afridi has a healthy List-A record, scalping 44 wickets in 26 innings at a strike rate of 24.7. Besides ensuring variety and enriching Pakistan's death-bowling with his wily variations, Afridi can be handy as a finisher lower down the order. Thus, his multi-dimensional skills might seal a spot for him in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad.