Shadab, Fakhar, Imam set for likely comeback in Champions Trophy 2025

As the countdown begins for the ninth edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), teams have started announcing their squads for the prestigious tournament.

The defending champions, Pakistan, are expected to announce a balanced squad featuring seven batsmen, four fast bowlers, three spinners, and one wicketkeeper.

Reports indicate that Mohammad Rizwan will be the sole wicketkeeper in Pakistan’s squad, with Usman Khan, who was included as the second wicketkeeper during the South Africa ODI series, unlikely to make the cut for the Champions Trophy.

In terms of the pace attack, Pakistan is likely to retain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Mohammad Hasnain also in contention for the fourth fast bowler spot.

The spin department is expected to see the return of Shadab Khan, the former vice-captain and Test all-rounder, alongside Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim. Shadab, who was dropped from the national team following the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024, has since impressed with his performances in domestic tournaments.

Despite not being selected for Pakistan’s tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Shadab was retained in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Central Contract for the 2024-25 season in Category C.

He recently played five matches in the Champions One-Day Cup, scoring 120 runs and taking five wickets.

Imam-ul-Haq, the 29-year-old left-handed opening batsman, is also set to make a return to the squad. Imam, with 3,138 runs in 72 international ODIs at an average of 48.27, has not featured in Pakistan’s last few ODIs.

However, his solid performances in the Champions One-Day Cup and Champions T20 Cup, where he scored 212 runs in four matches and 256 runs in nine matches, respectively, make him a strong contender for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad.

Fakhar Zaman, the aggressive opener, is also expected to make his comeback to the national side. The 34-year-old has impressed with his recent performances in the Champions T20 tournament, scoring 303 runs in 10 matches, including two half-centuries.

While his inclusion will depend on fitness requirements as per his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board, Fakhar’s recent form makes him a likely candidate for the squad.

With key players like Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Fakhar Zaman poised to return, Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is taking shape as the team looks to defend its title and continue its success on the global stage.