ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s star left-handed batter, Fakhar Zaman, is likely to make a return to the national team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.

As teams begin to finalize their squads for the highly anticipated tournament, reports suggest that Pakistan, the defending champions, is shaping up with a well-balanced lineup. The squad is expected to include seven batsmen, four fast bowlers, three spinners, and one wicketkeeper, with captain Mohammad Rizwan poised to be the sole wicketkeeper in the squad. The 34-year-old Fakhar Zaman, who has represented Pakistan in 82 international One-Day matches, remains subject to fitness criteria outlined in his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Fakhar, who was notably absent from the squads for Pakistan’s recent tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, has shown a resurgence in form. In the recently concluded Champions T20 tournament, Fakhar scored 303 runs in 10 matches at an average of 30.30, including two half-centuries.

His strong performance in this tournament has kept him in contention for the Champions Trophy squad. In a recent interview, Fakhar cleared the air regarding his controversial tweet about the PCB’s decision to rest star batter Babar Azam. He explained that the tweet was misunderstood and aimed at journalists and former cricketers who had called for Babar’s exclusion from the squad. Fakhar admitted, “I did think it would have been better if I didn’t do it, but people misunderstood that I criticised the board’s decision, which is 100% wrong.” Fakhar also mentioned that he had requested the PCB for a two-month rest due to being unwell, emphasizing that his decision was based on health concerns rather than any dissatisfaction with the board. As the Champions Trophy draws nearer, all eyes will be on Fakhar Zaman to see if he can secure his place in the squad and help Pakistan defend their title.