Imam ul Haq Omitted: Pakistan Faces Challenges
Pakistan's 15-man squad for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 has been announced, with Mohammad Rizwan as the team leader and Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Shah Afridi as key players, while Imam ul Haq has been omitted due to his recent form, and the team will play in the ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy.
The ICC Champions Trophy tour has commenced in Pakistan, and the national team has announced its 15-man squad for the tournament, omitting Imam ul Haq due to his recent form, while recalling veteran players Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf to bolster the team's chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy and ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
The ICC Champions Trophy tour, which began in Pakistan on November 16, has visited 10 cities in 14 days, including a stop at Sheikhupura's Hiran Minar complex. The trophy will continue its journey to Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Quetta before concluding in Karachi on February 14. Meanwhile, the national team has been preparing for the Champions Trophy, with Mohammad Rizwan set to lead the team in the tournament.
The squad announcement has raised questions about Imam ul Haq's position in the team, as he has been omitted due to his recent form. However, the inclusion of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Shah Afridi provides a strong foundation for the team. The same squad will feature in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi.
The team's opening partner is likely to be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on conditions, opposition, and match strategy. With Fakhar Zaman's recall, the team's batting lineup has been strengthened, and his experience will be crucial in the upcoming matches. The tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand will serve as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy, where Pakistan will face tough opponents, including India and Bangladesh.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, Pakistan's squad will look to leverage their skills and experience to secure a strong position in the tournament. With the omission of Imam ul Haq and the recall of veteran players, the team's dynamics have changed, and it remains to be seen how they will perform in the upcoming matches.
