Karachi, January 1, 2025: The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, hosted by Pakistan. As teams finalize their squads for the marquee event, reports suggest the defending champions, Pakistan, are poised to bring back key players Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq.
Pakistan is expected to field a balanced squad comprising seven batsmen, four pacers, three spinners, and a single wicketkeeper. Star keeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to remain the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Usman Khan, who served as backup during the South Africa ODI series, reportedly set to miss out.
In the fast-bowling department, the formidable trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are considered certainties, while Mohammad Hasnain is in contention for the fourth spot. For the spin attack, Shadab Khan is expected to make a strong return alongside Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim.
Shadab Khan, the former vice-captain and all-rounder, was dropped following Pakistan’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Despite missing subsequent tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Shadab retained a spot in the PCB Central Contract’s Category C for the 2024-25 season.
In domestic cricket, Shadab showcased glimpses of his form, scoring 120 runs and taking five wickets in five matches for the Panthers in the Champions One-Day Cup. Although his T20 performance was modest, with 24 runs and 18 balls bowled in six matches, his all-around capabilities make him a strong candidate for a comeback.
Imam-ul-Haq, the 29-year-old left-handed opener, has an impressive ODI record of 3,138 runs at an average of 48.27 in 72 matches. Last seen in a 50-over match against South Africa during the ICC World Cup in October 2023, Imam bolstered his case for selection with strong performances in domestic tournaments, scoring 212 runs in four matches at an average of 53.00 in the Champions One-Day Cup and 256 runs at an average of 36.67 in nine matches for the Lions in the Champions T20 competition.
Fakhar Zaman, the 34-year-old aggressive opener, is another likely inclusion, contingent on fitness. Despite being overlooked for recent tours, Fakhar’s performance in the Champions T20 tournament—303 runs in 10 matches at an average of 30.30, including two half-centuries—has renewed confidence in his abilities. With 82 ODI caps and a reputation for delivering under pressure, Fakhar remains a vital asset for Pakistan’s top order.
With the trio’s potential return, Pakistan aims to field a well-rounded squad capable of defending their Champions Trophy title. Fans eagerly await the official squad announcement to see if these seasoned players reclaim their spots on cricket’s grand stage.
