As Pakistan gears up for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the excitement among fans is palpable. Having secured historic series wins in Australia and South Africa, the Men in Green are readying themselves for their final preparation with a home Tri-Series, which will serve as the last rehearsal before the high-stakes tournament. Interestingly, despite their role as hosts, Pakistan has yet to release the official squad for the Champions Trophy, leaving fans eager to see which players will be cut.
With injury concerns surrounding in-form opener Saim Ayub and a few other spots up for grabs, Pakistan’s selectors are looking at several experienced players for potential recalls. Here’s a breakdown of the key names being considered for a spot in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad:
Saim Ayub
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub will be heading to London for specialist treatment of his ankle fracture. Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had planned for Ayub to remain with the team and return to Pakistan after the Newlands Test match. However, the board has now decided to send him directly to London for further medical attention.
Ayub will be accompanied by Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahood, who is currently with the team in Cape Town. This decision aims to ensure Ayub receives the best care for his injury, with hopes for a swift recovery as he works towards regaining full fitness.
the chances of Sam Ayub making a comeback are slim.
Khush Dil Shah
Khush Dil Shah is likely to be included in the squad for the Pakistan Champion Trophy. Khush Dil Shah has been under fire for his all-rounder performance in the recent Bangladesh Premier League. Khush Dil Shah played his last one-day international match in 2022 against the Netherlands.
He has played 10 one-day international matches in which his performances were not good, so he was dropped, but now his performances have been good in Bangladesh’s premier league
Khush Dil Shah’s performance in the Bangladesh Premier League is going very well.
Khush Dil Shah
Not Out Ball 35 Score 73 SR 208.57 against Khulna Tigers
Khushdil Shah
c & b Mohammad Wasim Ball 28 score 59 SR 210.71 against Chittagong Kings
similarly good performance in other matches too.
Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder, was dropped from the ODI team due to a series of lean performances. However, his all-round abilities and wealth of experience make him a strong candidate for a Champions Trophy recall. The 26-year-old has been a key figure for Pakistan in the past, accumulating 855 runs and taking 85 wickets in 70 ODIs. His ability to provide balance in both the batting and bowling departments could prove valuable for Pakistan, especially in the middle order where the team has struggled for depth.
Shadab’s skill in tight situations and his power-hitting lower down the order make him an asset in high-pressure tournaments. As Pakistan looks to solidify its squad, Shadab’s return could provide the perfect combination of stability and flair for the Champions Trophy.
Imam-ul-Haq
Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s experienced opener, has been absent from the ODI setup since the 2023 World Cup match against South Africa. However, his impressive record in 50-over cricket speaks volumes. Imam has scored 3138 runs at an average of 48.27, with a strike rate of 82.55. Given the current fitness issues of Saim Ayub and the batting slump of Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan may turn to Imam to strengthen their top order for the Champions Trophy.
Imam’s ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when necessary could provide Pakistan with much-needed stability at the top. With such a solid track record, his inclusion could be a key factor in the team’s quest for success in the tournament.
Usama Mir
Another player on the radar is Usama Mir, the promising leg-spinner who made a brief but impressive impact during his time in the ODI team. In his 12 ODI matches, Mir has taken 15 wickets, showcasing his ability to deceive batters with his variations. While emerging talents like Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem have impressed in recent times, they lack the experience that the Champions Trophy demands. Usama, with 86 wickets in 58 List-A matches, offers a more seasoned option for Pakistan’s spin department.
Considering the spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan and the inexperience of other spinners, Usama’s recall could provide the team with a more reliable option in the middle overs. His ability to break partnerships and keep the opposition under control will be a crucial asset for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman has confirmed he has fully recovered from a medical condition that kept him out of action since the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 34-year-old opener revealed on the Vipers Voices podcast that he is now “100%” fit and ready to return to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming white-ball series.
Fakhar, who last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup, expressed his excitement about making a comeback, especially with the 2025 Champions Trophy approaching. His return could bolster Pakistan’s batting lineup, providing crucial experience as they aim for success on home soil.
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