Champions Trophy 2025: Saim Ayub's likely replacement unveiled

Top-order batter is recovering from an ankle injury.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalising its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for next month.

A key decision still pending is the inclusion of Saim Ayub, who is recovering from an ankle injury. His participation in the tournament will depend on whether he is fit in time.

 If Ayub is cleared, the same squad will be selected for both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy. In case he is not ready, selectors have a backup plan in place.

Selectors have confirmed that opener Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan will not be part of the squad, while Fakhar Zaman has already secured his place. The selection of Imam-ul-Haq and emerging player Haseebullah remains under discussion.

 

 

 

 

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Additionally, Pakistan's selectors are considering Test captain Shan Masood as a potential replacement for Ayub. However, his inclusion depends on his performance in the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.

The squad will include key players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan. In bowling, Pakistan will rely on its strong pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, along with Mohammad Hasnain. Kamran Ghulam, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, and young Sufiyan Muqeem will provide additional support.

Pakistan is the only team yet to officially announce its squad for the Champions Trophy. While initial names have been sent to the ICC, the final list must be confirmed by February 11. The tri-series begins on February 8, leaving a small window for finalizing the team.

The Champions Trophy, which will run from February 19 to March 9, will be held at three venues in Pakistan and Dubai. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi. A highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India will take place on February 23 in Dubai.