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Saim Ayub’s Fitness Key to Finalizing Squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the final stages of selecting its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to begin next month. A crucial decision hinges on the fitness of Saim Ayub, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury.
If Ayub is cleared, the same squad will participate in both the tri-series starting on February 8 and the Champions Trophy. However, if he is unavailable, selectors have a contingency plan in place.
Key Updates on Squad Selection
- Excluded Players: Openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan will not be part of the squad.
- Confirmed Selection: Fakhar Zaman has secured his spot in the team.
- Under Discussion: The inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and emerging talent Haseebullah remains undecided.
- Possible Replacement: Test captain Shan Masood is being considered as a backup for Ayub, contingent on his performance in the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.
The squad will feature Pakistan’s core players, including:
- Batting: Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan.
- Bowling: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Kamran Ghulam, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, and young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.
Timeline for Squad Finalization
While preliminary names have been submitted to the ICC, Pakistan is the only team yet to officially announce its final squad. The final list must be confirmed by February 11, leaving a tight window to finalize selections after the tri-series begins on February 8.
Champions Trophy 2025 Overview
The tournament, running from February 19 to March 9, will be hosted across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. Eight teams will compete, divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh.
- Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia.
Key Matches
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, February 19 in Karachi.
- Blockbuster Clash: Pakistan vs. India, February 23 in Dubai.
