Selector Asad Shafiq clarifies Pakistan’s opening pair for Champions Trophy 2025
With Fakhar Zaman as the only specialized opener, Shafiq discussed Pakistan's opening pair for the upcoming event
Asad Shafiq, a member of the Pakistan selection committee, has addressed the question of Pakistan’s opening pair for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This follows the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) announcement of the 15-member squad for the events.
Fakhar Zaman is the only specialized opening batter in the squad. However, with Saim Ayub ruled out due to an ankle injury and Abdullah Shafique dropped due to his recent form, the selectors are considering different options for the opening slot. Shafiq revealed that either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel will be promoted to open alongside Fakhar, depending on the situation.
“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy,” Shafiq said in a PCB press release.
He added, “Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence.”
Pakistan squad for the tri-nation series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, and Haris Rauf.
