The Pakistan Team (Source:@CricCrazyJohns/X.com)
The excitement for ICC's mega-event, the Champions Trophy, has kept everyone on their toes. The tournament, earlier slated to take place solely in Pakistan, will now be held in a hybrid model with United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February onwards. With over a month left before the tournament kicks-off, teams are expected to submit their squads to the International Cricket Council before 12 January.
On that note, let us take a look at the probable squad and the strongest XI for the Pakistan cricket team as they aim to win the tournament yet again after their 2017 victory:
Saim Ayub Likely To Return Before Champions Trophy
In what can be a significant blow to their campaign, Pakistan might still have a glimmer of hope about their star opener, Saim Ayub's recovery. The 22-year-old unfortunately sustained an ankle injury during their second Test match against South Africa and was stretchered out of the field.
However, as informed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he will be flown to London for specialised treatment, after which his recovery period is expected to be 5-6 weeks. If all goes well for the team, Saim Ayub could return to the team as an opener. Ayub, who has scored 235 runs in the last three ODI games versus South Africa, will open alongside Fakhar Zaman. (If Saim remains unfit, then Imam-Ul-Haq will likely replace him)
Fakhar Zaman To Return For PAK
Although Zaman has been out of the scheme of things for too long, there is a strong chance he will return after his central contract snub. There are simply two reasons that indicate his return: 1) Zaman was the leading man for Pakistan in their 2017 winning campaign, where he slammed 252 runs in just four games; and 2) Looking at Abdullah Shafique's form, it is unlikely that the team would opt to go for him, especially after his back-to-back ducks in three ODI games against The Proteas.
So, with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman guarding the top order, we move on to the No.3 spot booked for Babar Azam. The ex-captain had a forgetful start to 2024; however, he has shown incredible fightback since then. In his last ten innings, he has scored five 50+ scores across formats and looks to be in good rhythm and form.
Rizwan To Lead The Men In Green
Following a year full of captaincy changes for their national team, Mohammad Rizwan is expected to lead the team in the upcoming ICC event. Rizwan, who took charge as skipper in the middle of 2024, began his stint with a historic ODI series win against Australia. Pakistan has since played nine ODIs under his leadership and emerged victorious on seven occasions.
Moreover, as a wicket-keeper batter, Rizwan has scored 264 runs in the last seven ODI games. His leadership, especially in the white-ball format, has been a crucial focal point in Pakistan's victories. Salman Ali Agha, who has been his deputy in recent times, will continue to be by his sides during the tournament and bat at No.5.
Shadab Khan-Iftikhar Ahmed Make A Comeback
However, headlining Pakistan's playing XI would likely be Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed. There is a lot of buzz around their return as the two return after almost a year and a half. Their all-round skills will be necessary for their team's performance. The duo can play a pivotal role in sub-continental conditions and will add more value to their team.
On the bowling front, Pakistan is expected to go with three pacers and one spinner combination. The pacers led by Shaheen Shah Afridi would include Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Abrar Ahmed is the only pure spinner the team is expected to opt for since Shadab and Iftikhar are also spin-bowling all-rounders.
Apart from these players, the squad would also feature Imam Ul-Haq, Usman Khan Sufiyan Muqeem and Abbas Afridi. At the same time, the three reserve players would be Aamir Jamal, Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Hasnain who would help their team in case of an injury.
Pakistan's Probable Squad For Champions Trophy 2025
Imam Ul-Haq, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohd. Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi
Travel Reserves: Aamir Jamal, Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Hasnain
Pakistan's Strongest XI For CT 2025
Saim Ayub
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Mohd. Rizwan (c) (wk)
Salman Ali Agha
Shadab Khan
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Naseem Shah
Haris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed
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