Host Pakistan has recalled opening batter Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for next month’s Champions Trophy while Saim Ayub was ruled out due to fractured ankle.

From experienced campaigners making a comeback to a key run-scoring being sidelined by injury, multiple talking points from the 15-member squad of the defending champions.

Pakistan finally revealed their 15-member squad for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. The deadline for the provisional squad announcement was January 12. However, there was a significant delay in announcing the 15-member squad.

Veteran Fakhar Zaman is in the mix, having played a monumental role in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He scored a maiden ODI ton (114 off 106 deliveries) at The Oval, London, as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the silverware. Also recalled are Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

Fakhar Zaman, hero of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, has not represented the Men in Green since last year’s T20 World Cup in the US and the Caribbean and has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup.

Pakistan announces its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Mohammad Rizwan as captain. Notable absentee Saim Ayub misses out due to injury, whereas veteran Fakhar Zaman returns. The team will face New Zealand and India in the group stage under the guidance of Interim Coach Aaqib Javed.

Pakistan have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. In their squad they have picked nine batters and only one spinner.

Dashing batsman Fakhar Zaman has returned to Pakistan's 15-man squad for next month's Champions Trophy but rising fellow-opener Saim Ayub is out