Fakhar back, no Ayub: Takeaways from Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad
What's the story
Fakhar Zaman has been brought back into Pakistan's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, after a spat with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over a social media post in October 2024.
The team also sees the return of Faheem Ashraf, who last played for his country in international cricket in 2023.
This new-look squad will play not just the Champions Trophy but also an ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Player absence
Saim Ayub to miss Champions Trophy due to injury
Pakistan's star player Saim Ayub won't be featuring in the Champions Trophy after suffering an ankle fracture during the Cape Town Test.
While he was initially expected to be out for six weeks, it was later revealed that his recovery would take longer.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Ayub's return is still "at least four weeks" away, ruling him out of the tournament.
Squad changes
Who will open alongside Fakhar Zaman?
Abdullah Shafique's recent dip in form has seen him dropped from the squad for the Champions Trophy.
During the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, which Pakistan won 3-0, Shafique became the first player to be dismissed for a duck in every match of a series.
This means that Pakistan will have a new opening pair, with Fakhar likely to partner either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel.
Squad composition
Pakistan retains pace-heavy element for Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy squad remains pace-heavy, a formula that has helped Pakistan win three back-to-back away ODI series in the past.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain all find a place in the final 15.
However, only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, has been picked.
Neither Sufiyan Muqeem nor Shadab Khan have made it to this squad.
Additions
All-rounders awarded for domestic performances
Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah have also earned recalls after they delivered with both and ball in domestic competitions recently.
Their three-dimensional abilities will help Pakistan in playing different combinations according to the pitch conditions.
Known for their big-hitting abillities, these two dashers can ace the finisher's role.
Meanwhile, batter Tayyab Tahir, who recently made his ODI debut, retains his place in the team.
Kamran Ghulam is the other inexperienced batter in the team.
Upcoming matches
Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign to begin against New Zealand
Pakistan's opening match in the Champions Trophy will be against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
They will then head to Dubai for a clash against India.
Their last group match is against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Mohammad Rizwan leads the squad for these matches, with Salman Ali Agha as his deputy.
Information
Here is the squad
Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Information
Which squad players took part in the 2017 CT?
Only three players from Pakistan's 2017 title-winning Champions Trophy squad have been selected for the upcoming event - Fakhar, Babar, and Faheem. Meanwhile, this will also be Rizwan's maiden ICC tournament as the captain of the Pakistan team.