Home
Saim Ayub's ankle fracture during last month's second Test match against South Africa freed up one of Pakistan's starting slots. The team doctor had ruled out Saim for two to three months during the tour alone. This meant the left-hander would not be able to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy or the tri-nation series that preceded it, which is a prelude to the eight-team mega tournament.
Babar Azam to open for Pakistan
According to a report of Dawn, Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam will be taking part in the upcoming tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand. This could also mean that Babar could stick to that spot in the upcoming edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
For the third time in his illustrious career, Babar Azam will open for Pakistan in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy. After their young opening batter Saim Ayub was injured during the Test series against South Africa, the selectors asked the former captain of Pakistan to accept the task, which he did.
Two opening spots are vacant since Saim's opening partner Abdullah Shafique was also left off of Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy and the tri-nation series. Babar will open along with Fakhar Zaman, who is making his first appearance on the national ODI squad since November 2023.
Pakistan are the defending champions of the Champions Trophy and they will be hosting the mega tournament under the hybrid model policy. The Men in Green's recent performances in ICC tournaments have not been that impressive and they will be eager to change it.
Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy 2025
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
ADVERTISEMENT
