Fakhar Zaman to return for Pakistan in Champions Trophy title defense.

Pakistan has done a thrilling thing in their attempt to retain the Champions Trophy as they have included the opening batsman Fakhar Zaman in the 15-man squad for the tournament, scheduled to start from February 19. National selector Asad Shafique made the announcement of the 15-man squad and also added that Zaman will be given either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel as his opening partner for the competition.

With a name in Fakhar Zaman's name, too, is considerable because this player has been very instrumental in Pakistan's win in the 2017 Champions Trophy. He particularly had a thrilling hundred in the final against India. Since June 2024, the opening batsman was ruled out of the contention due to his injury and ill health; however, excellent play in the Champions T20 Cup has got him back to the team. Abdullah Shafique was missing from the team, and Saim Ayub was injured. It's more than confirmed that Zaman will be at the top of the order now.

Three players have made it from the team which won Pakistan the title in 2017- that includes Zaman. Among these players are Saud Shakeel, who has been recalled. It indicates that the team is quite confident about the form this time around. Shakeel, who hasn't played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup, has been included based on his consistent performances in home Test matches. This move highlights the selectors' commitment to rewarding domestic form, ensuring that those showing strong performances in local competitions have a chance to showcase their skills at the international level.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah are two more players who have earned recalls for the Champions Trophy. Both have shown all-round skills and have been contributing with bat and ball to the best of their abilities in their home series. Ashraf bowls fast and thus adds more depth in Pakistan bowling. Shah has provided variation in the spin department and now he would be an option available to Pakistan for Abrar Ahmed when he returns, who is being tipped to lead the spin attack.

Muslim League completed their last ODI assignment in South Africa with Muhammad Irfan Khan and Sufyan Moqim at the helm. The team happily announces its new squad for the entire competition. This reshuffle is a new route for the team as they march towards the coveted tournament. The team will engage in a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa before playing the Champions Trophy, thus enjoying more match practices before the huge event.

Shafique has also focused on the integration of emerging players into the team, such as mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and middle-order batsmen Kamran Ghulam and Tayyab Tahir. These players have performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket and have been given a clear indication that they can use their performances to succeed at the international level. Their ability to handle pressure and understanding of home conditions will serve them well internationally.

The rationale, according to Asad Shafique, lies in the very rationale behind the selections. "It is a great balance of experience and very exciting prospects," he said. "The inclusion of emerging players like Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Tayyab Tahir reflects our belief in their ability to turn domestic success into international impact. These players have shown great temperament and skill in challenging environments," Shafique explained.

Their primary focus of a bowling attack shall be Abrar Ahmed, for he has come to the crease like thunder in the slow department. Both Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha could be used effectively as consistent mediums. Fast medium bowling allrounders can now be complemented with Faheem Ashraf. Another boost for Zaman is that his return to the top order helps him as it is essential that he provides those aggressive batting lines and plays a match-winning knock in Champions Trophy. He was always a hazardous player with the explosive style of play, so his inclusion means a dynamic opening partnership for Pakistan.

The team has selected a nice combination of experience and youth into the last playing eleven in search of another success as was the case in 2017 at the Champions Trophy. The team consists of captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, vice-captain, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

As the tournament approaches, people will be eager to see how these players gel together and whether Pakistan can once again rise to the occasion and defend their title in front of home crowds.