For the forthcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, reigning champions Pakistan are anticipated to reintroduce Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan, and Fakhar Zaman into the squad, as per Geo News. The team is predicted to consist of seven batsmen, four fast bowlers, three spinners, and one wicketkeeper. Mohammad Rizwan, the captain for white-ball formats, is expected to be the sole wicketkeeper, while Usman Khan, the second wicketkeeper from the recent South Africa ODI series, is not likely to be included.
Pakistan’s fast-bowling lineup will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Mohammad Hasnain possibly being added as the fourth seamer. In the spin category, Shadab Khan is projected to make a comeback alongside mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim. Shadab’s last match for Pakistan was during the 2024 T20I World Cup against Ireland.
Imam-ul-Haq is also poised for a return, holding an impressive tally of 3,138 runs in 72 ODIs. His most recent game was in the 2023 ODI World Cup against South Africa. Fakhar Zaman, who has 82 ODI matches under his belt, is similarly expected to rejoin the team.
The eight-team competition will showcase 15 matches in the 50-over format, with matches being hosted in Pakistan and Dubai. India and Pakistan are slated to face each other on February 23 in Dubai, while the finale is scheduled for March 9 in Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case it will occur in Dubai. Reserve days will be allocated for the semi-finals and final.
Champions Trophy Groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England.
