Pakistan’s left-handed opener, Imam-ul-Haq, has responded to his exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad with a cryptic social media post, fueling speculation among fans and cricket analysts.
Taking to his social media accounts, Imam expressed his disappointment yet maintained a resilient tone, writing:
“Not the outcome I expected, but the journey isn’t over. This is how life is—it’s all about growth and getting stronger with every hurdle. Patience and trust in Allah is the key!”
Selectors Overlook Imam Despite Strong Domestic Form
Imam’s omission came shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy and the tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa.
Despite his strong performances in domestic cricket, selectors opted for Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan in the top order alongside Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.
Imam last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup in India before being dropped. His last international appearance was in December 2023 in a Test against Australia in Melbourne, where he struggled, managing just 22 runs across two innings.
Since then, he has performed well in domestic cricket, leading Multan Region in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 and captaining Pakistan Shaheens against the touring West Indian side. However, despite his form, he was left out once again.
Pakistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
The 15-player squad will compete in the tri-nation series before heading into the Champions Trophy:
- Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
- Vice-Captain: Salman Ali Agha
- Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan
- All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah
- Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Key Fixtures
- February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)
- February 22: Australia vs England (Lahore)
- February 23: Pakistan vs India (Dubai)
- March 4 & 5: Semi-finals (Dubai, Lahore)
- March 9: Final (Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai)
Imam’s exclusion has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans believing he deserved a spot based on his domestic performances, while others argue that Fakhar Zaman’s experience makes him a better choice.
What do you think? Should Imam have been included in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad? Let us know in the comments!
