The last time the Champions Trophy was played in 2017, Pakistan clinched the title by defeating India in the final. Few expected it to go all the way, but the team rode on fine performances and jigar (sheer determination) – as the then captain Sarfaraz Ahmed later highlighted – to create history.
Eight years on, Pakistan returns as defending champion and host. However, it will not enjoy a complete home advantage, as its marquee fixture against India will be played at a neutral venue in Dubai.
Pakistan has named a strong squad on paper, but Saim Ayub’s injury has unsettled the team combination, shifting focus back to Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan. While their recent form has raised concerns, the 50-over format could provide the platform to regain rhythm and consistency.
Fakhar Zaman’s return after a fallout with the PCB in 2024 adds depth to the batting. Asad Shafiq, a selection committee member, suggested either Babar or Saud Shakeel could open with Fakhar, depending on conditions, opposition, and strategy. “Both are capable, with Babar experienced in the role, having opened in T20Is and impressed in the Cape Town Test with two half-centuries in Ayub’s absence,” he said.
The recall of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf has drawn criticism. Ashraf averages 10 with the bat and 47 with the ball in 34 ODIs, last played in September 2023, while Shah, with 10 ODIs, has been absent since August 2022. Despite PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s defence of their inclusion, their impact remains uncertain.
A home tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa has provided preparation, though Haris Rauf’s ankle injury, picked up during the series, is a concern. Pakistan’s pace attack, key to three successive away ODI series wins last year, will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain, with Abrar Ahmed the sole spinner.
The absence of Sufiyan Muqeem and Shadab Khan raises questions about the lack of an additional spinner. How the team management navigates this challenge will be crucial.
Pakistan must raise its game after a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. Hosting an ICC event after nearly three decades, expectations are high among fans. Now, it is up to the players to deliver.
Player to watch
Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the recent tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman plays a shot during the recent tri-series ODI cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Returning after a hiatus, Fakhar will be key. Drawing on experience, he will aim to provide strong starts and capitalise on familiar conditions. His gritty 84 in the tri-series opener against New Zealand was a confidence booster. Although he has played just one ODI since the last World Cup, the tri-series should serve as valuable preparation.
Full squad
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.