The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the "Mini World Cup," is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.
As teams begin finalising their squads, reports suggest that Pakistan, the defending champions, is preparing with a balanced lineup consisting of seven batsmen, four fast bowlers, three spinners and one wicketkeeper.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan is expected to be the sole wicketkeeper in Pakistan’s squad.
Usman Khan, who was included as a backup wicketkeeper during the South Africa ODI series, is unlikely to feature in the Champions Trophy lineup.
The pace battery is expected to include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Mohammad Hasnain vying for the fourth spot.
Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Maqeem are the probable spinners for the squad.
Shadab who retained in the PCB’s Central Contract 2024-25 under Category C, shown remarkable determination to reclaim his place in the national team.
Despite being sidelined after the T20 World Cup 2024, his impressive domestic performances, including scoring 120 runs and taking five wickets in the Champions One-Day Cup, have kept him in contention.
Among the batsmen, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman are likely to make comebacks.
Imam, with an impressive ODI career average of 48.27, has proven his form in domestic tournaments, scoring 212 runs at an average of 53.00 in the Champions One-Day Cup and 256 runs at an average of 36.67 in nine matches for the Lions in the Champions T20 tournament.
Another key expectation is the return of aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman.
The 34-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 82 international One-Day matches, remains subject to fitness requirements under his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The left-handed batsman was not included in the squads for the tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
However, he recently showcased his form in the Champions T20 tournament, amassing 303 runs at an average of 30.30 across ten matches, including two half-centuries.
The return of Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman to the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy seems highly likely.
Syed Yahya Hussaini- Fakhar Zaman
- Shadab Khan