Faheem Ashraf Returns as Pakistan Announces Champions Trophy Squad

Pakistan has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, with key players like Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman making a comeback after recovering from injuries. The team, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, includes a mix of experienced and young players, with three members from the 2017 title-winning side.

The squad includes Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman, who were part of the 2017 title-winning team. Fakhar Zaman, who was sidelined with an injury and illness, makes a comeback after impressive performances in the Champions T20 Cup 2024, where he scored 303 runs at a strike-rate of over 132. Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has also been included in the squad for his consistent performances in Test matches at home.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah were selected for their versatility, providing additional options to the captain. The selection panel, led by Asad Shafiq, has chosen a squad with a flexible approach, selecting players based on their domestic performances. The national squad will assemble in Lahore on Monday to begin preparing for the tournament, which includes three ODIs against South Africa and New Zealand before the competition begins.

The PCB chairman has also announced the reopening of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Karachi Stadium will be reopened by President Asif Ali Zardari on February 11. The selection panel believes each player has been chosen for a specific role, and the squad has a good balance of youth and experience.

With the return of key players like Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan will be looking to make a strong impact in the Champions Trophy. The team's preparation and performance in the upcoming ODIs against South Africa and New Zealand will be crucial in determining their chances in the tournament.