Champions Trophy 2025: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman likely to return to Pakistan squad for title defence

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is right around the corner, with the tournament set to begin on February 19. Pakistan, who are currently the reigning champions, will be fighting for title defence, as they are also set to co-host the eight-team tournament alongside the UAE.

Meanwhile, recent reports have emerged citing the comebacks of southpaw duo of Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman back in the Pakistani squads for the marquee event. Imam, who showed great signs in the Champions One-Day Cup with 212 runs, while averaging 53 is set to make a return to the squad. Zaman, on the other hand, featured in the Champions T20 Cup, scoring 303 runs across 10 games, which included a couple of half-centuries as well.

A report from The Express Tribune suggests that Pakistan, who are currently placed third on the ODI Rankings, are looking to call the top-order duo back to their squad for the eight-team tournament. Notably, both the ace batters were not included in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s latest players' central contract list, however, their impressive showing in the domestic arena is likely to be rewarded with a national comeback.

Zaman last played a 50-over game for the Men in Green during the ODI World Cup 2023, held in India. During the tournament, he was in exceptional touch, with 220 runs across four games at a superb average of 73.33. However, as Abdullah Shafique was given preference, he could not play majority games for the Babar Azam-led side.

It is worth mentioning that the left-handed batter was also the highest run-getter for Pakistan during the Champions Trophy 2017, and also scored a hundred in the high-octane clash against India, scoring a tone-setting 114 off 106 balls in the final at The Oval, London.

The 29-year-old Imam, on the other hand, also last featured in a white-ball game during the 50-over World Cup, during a league stage match against South Africa, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. A string of low scores in 2023 and the emergence of Shafique made the PCB selectors think to move on from the Lahore-born.

Pakistan to face New Zealand in CT opener

Speaking more of the upcoming ICC tournament, Pakistan are placed in the Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand and will open their campaign with the curtain-raiser fixture against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium. This will be followed by a fierce battle against arch-rivals and 2017 finalists India on February 23, which is set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Pakistan will play their last group-stage fixture against fellow Asian nation, Bangladesh.