Pakistan revealed on Friday their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after an extended delay, with unexpected selections surprising the cricket world.
According to details, the tournament had been scheduled to take place mainly in Pakistan, with a few matches in the United Arab Emirates, from 19 February to 9 March.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who last featured in the ODI format during Pakistan’s Asia Cup encounter against India in September 2023, made a shocking return to the squad. His inclusion raised eyebrows, given his prolonged absence from the national team.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan, who had yet to make his ODI debut, also secured a place in the 15-man squad.
Despite having played 18 T20Is, he had only managed to accumulate 232 runs at an average of 15.46.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, who had been sidelined during Pakistan’s recent tours of Australia and South Africa, made a comeback.
The left-handed batter, expected to reclaim his position as an opener, strengthened the Green Shirts’ batting lineup ahead of the crucial tournament.
