Pakistan Champions Trophy squad – Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf back, Saim Ayub out

Fakhar Zaman returns to the Pakistan squad for the first time since a falling out with the PCB over a social media post, returning to the side for the Champions Trophy. In a statement which termed the squad a “horses for courses” approach, Faheem Ashraf, who last played international cricket in 2023, has also been called up. Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel also come into the squad. The same squad will also play the ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in the build-up to the Champions Trophy.
The squad confirms what was widely feared within Pakistan – the ankle fracture Saim Ayub sustained in Cape Town during Pakistan’s Test series in South Africa. At the time, it was announced he would be out for six weeks, but it was believed his chances of recovering in time for the Champions Trophy were exceptionally slim. Earlier today, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Ayub’s return remained “at least four weeks” away, meaning arguably Pakistan’s most in-form ODI player will not be available to them.
Abdullah Shafique’s loss of form has cost him a place in the final squad, too. In the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, which Pakistan won 3-0, he became the first player to be dismissed for a duck in every match of a completed series. It means Pakistan will go in with a completely opening pairing, with Fakhar Zaman likely to pair up with either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, with the PCB citing Babar’s success opening in Test cricket as a potential factor to consider.

“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy,” a statement from Asad Shafiq, member of the selection panel, said. “Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence.”

The squad also retains its pace-heavy element that saw Pakistan win three successive away ODI series towards the end of last year. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain are all part of the final 15, with only one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed. Neither Sufiyan Muqeem, who took four wickets on debut in the only ODI he played, or Shadab Khan, who captained his side to Champions Cup glory last September, have made the final cut.

“One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility – an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket,” Asad Shafiq, member of the selection panel. “We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal.”

Irfan Khan, who was eyed by the selection committee as a key component of Pakistan’s middle order and feted for his fielding ability, also drops out. Faheem’s return to the fray comes off the back of limited 50-over cricket, having had an indifferent Champions Cup in September. Strong showings with the bat in the President’s Cup in October, however, seem to have played a part in earning him what appeared an unlikely recall.

Pakistan’s first game at the Champions Trophy comes against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, following which they go to Dubai to play against India. They play their final group game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on 27 February.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad

:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt.&wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

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