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 selectors on Friday sprung a surprise by including just one specialist spinner and picking nine batsmen in their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy beginning next month. Abrar Ahmed, 26, the only specialist spinner in the squad captained by Mohammad Rizwan, has played four ODIs taking 10 wickets with a best of 4/33.

Pakistan are the last team to announce their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The title-winning players from 2017 edition announced the 15-member squad in an innovative way.

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.

Defending champion Pakistan announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, with Mohammad Rizwan as the captain, on Friday.

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 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the co-hosts welcome back their '2017 Final Hero' Fakhar Zaman into the natio0nal set-up. Last year, the Pakistan Cricket Board terminated the national contract of Fakhar Zaman,

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

Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Former captain Babar Azam is likely to be given a new role. The squad also sees the return of Fakhar Zaman and Saudh Shakeel,