Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam's batting order revealed

Pakistan has yet to officially announce its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, but reports indicate several potential changes in the team’s lineup.

According to local media, Babar Azam is expected to open the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman, who is set to return to the squad for the tournament. This change is likely due to Saim Ayub’s ankle injury, which is anticipated to rule him out of the Champions Trophy.

Although Babar has experience opening in T20Is and recently opened in Tests against South Africa, his most successful ODI performances have come at numbers 3 and 4.

If Babar is promoted to open with Fakhar, reports suggest Kamran Ghulam could bat at number 3, strengthening the top order. Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood are also being considered as backup options for the opening slots.

Abdullah Shafique, who struggled in 2024 white-ball cricket, is expected to be excluded from the squad. The selectors appear to prefer Babar’s consistency at the top over Shafique’s recent lack of form.

Additionally, all-rounder Khushdil Shah, who has been out of the spotlight for some time, is likely to make a return to the squad. His inclusion would provide much-needed explosiveness to the middle order, an area where Pakistan currently lacks depth.

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.