The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently busy preparing for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the venues are not yet fully prepared for the return of the prestigious tournament. Amid this chaos, Pakistan is leisurely announcing its Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

The remaining seven participating teams have all announced preliminary squads for the upcoming 2025 International Champions Cup, but the hosts and defending champions are yet to finalize their 15-man roster, although the deadline for announcing provisional squads ended on January 12.

Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will play for Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not give any reason for the delay in announcing the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but they still have time to select the top eight squad before February 13. National Championship.

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As the suspense builds and fans eagerly await the arrival of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 team, Sama TV reporter Qadir Khawaja has revealed some interesting details about their team. He revealed that Babar Azam will be promoted to the highest level in the prestigious tournament.

What’s more interesting is that Fakhar Zaman has confirmed that he will return to the Pakistan team for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. But the most surprising news is that Fakhar Zaman will join forces with top-order Babar Azam to help Pakistan defend their title. The trophy is at home.

Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq to be dropped from Pakistan ODI squad

In a blow to Pakistan’s hopes of winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, young opener Syam Ayub will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury, with the setback reportedly leading to the loss of the mega tournament. The opening combination has changed.

Qadir Khawaja also claimed that Pakistan Test captain and opener Imam-ul-Haq Shan Masood will be dropped from the ODI squad for the upcoming prestigious tournament. With Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman starting the first innings, Kamran Ghulam is likely to take over at number three.

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However, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood are likely to be picked as the replacement opening options for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Khushdil Shah is likely to make a surprise return to the men’s team in green for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Despite not playing international cricket for a year.

Fakhta told me that Fakhar Zaman will open with Babar Azam…

Noshan Masood
There is no Imam Haq in the team#pakistancricket #ChampionsTrophy2025 #babarazam

— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 23, 2025

Khushdil Shah to make surprise return for 2025 Champions Trophy

However, Khusdil Shah’s stunning performance in the Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 (BPL 2024-25) has justified his inclusion in the 50-over tournament. Khushdil Shah’s impressive performances in domestic cricket, including the 2024-25 BPL, caught the attention of Pakistan selectors.

The addition of Khushdil will add depth and versatility to the squad, making the all-rounder almost a sure choice for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad. Abdullah Shafiq is currently not on the minds of the match selectors.

Well, the rest of the Pakistan team’s players are expected to remain unchanged, with captain Mohammad Rizwan and pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf likely to retain them location.

Notably, Pakistan will face New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on February 19, followed by an exciting match in Dubai on February 23.