Host Pakistan has recalled opening batter Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for next month’s Champions Trophy while Saim Ayub was ruled out due to fractured ankle.

From experienced campaigners making a comeback to a key run-scoring being sidelined by injury, multiple talking points from the 15-member squad of the defending champions.

Pakistan selection committee member Asad Shafiq has revealed that Babar Azam could be one of the options to be an opener during the upcoming Champions Trophy. Pakistan will have either Babar or Saud Shakeel as one of the openers alongside Fakhar Zaman.

Pakistan finally revealed their 15-member squad for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. The deadline for the provisional squad announcement was January 12. However, there was a significant delay in announcing the 15-member squad.

Veteran Fakhar Zaman is in the mix, having played a monumental role in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He scored a maiden ODI ton (114 off 106 deliveries) at The Oval, London, as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the silverware. Also recalled are Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

Pakistan are the last team to announce their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The title-winning players from 2017 edition announced the 15-member squad in an innovative way.

Pakistan announces its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Mohammad Rizwan as captain. Notable absentee Saim Ayub misses out due to injury, whereas veteran Fakhar Zaman returns. The team will face New Zealand and India in the group stage under the guidance of Interim Coach Aaqib Javed.

Tickets for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy group-stage matches and the second semi-final in Pakistan are now available for online purchase, starting today [Tuesday].

Fakhar Zaman, hero of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, has not represented the Men in Green since last year’s T20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean and has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup.