ISLAMABAD — In a significant roster adjustment ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has reintegrated opening batsman Fakhar Zaman and allrounder Faheem Ashraf, while Saim Ayub has been ruled out due to a broken ankle.
“As a national selection team, we understand how heartbreaking this must be for Ayub, especially since he was in remarkable form leading up to the tournament,” said Asad Shafiq, the national selector.
“We recognize his worth to the squad and are committed to prioritizing his long-term recovery and well-being instead of making hasty choices.”
Ayub, a left-handed opener, notably scored two centuries during the ODI series against South Africa but sustained his injury during a test match in Cape Town earlier this month and continues to recover in London.
The team has implemented four changes from the squad that prevailed 3-0 against South Africa in the previous ODI series. Ayub, along with Abdullah Shafique, Irfan Khan, and spin bowler Sufiyan Muqeem, will be replaced by Ashraf, Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.
After a prolonged absence from international cricket caused by injury and illness since June, Zaman has made a successful comeback, scoring 303 runs in a domestic Twenty20 competition last December. He is one of the three players, alongside Ashraf and Babar Azam, who participated in winning the last Champions Trophy in 2017 in England.
Saud Shakeel, who serves as Pakistan’s test vice-captain, is also making his return to limited-overs cricket following a lengthy hiatus since he last played in the 50-over World Cup in India earlier in 2023. He was not included in the last three ODI series victories against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
“Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive style and ability to win matches are essential to our strategy,” Shafiq stated. “Moreover, Saud Shakeel brings experience and thoughtfulness to his batting, excelling at building partnerships and constructing innings.”
Shafiq further mentioned that either Babar or Saud could partner with Fakhar at the top of the order, contingent on the rival team and playing conditions.
The addition of allrounders Ashraf and Khushdil offers depth to Pakistan’s middle order. Ashraf last played an ODI in September 2023, while Khushdil’s most recent match in the format was in August 2022. Both players have demonstrated strong performances in domestic tournaments.
“Our selection strategy continues to embrace a ‘horses for courses’ philosophy,” Shafiq noted. “We aim to choose players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar circumstances, showcasing their readiness for a global stage.”
To prepare for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will be hosting a tri-nation series featuring South Africa and New Zealand starting February 8.
In the Champions Trophy, Pakistan finds itself grouped with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, with its opening match against New Zealand set for February 19 in Karachi. However, India has not received its government’s approval to visit Pakistan and will instead play all its matches in Dubai.
The finalized squad for Pakistan includes Mohammad Rizwan (captain), 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, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
