After Fakhar, Shadab and Imam also likely to join Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan cricketers Shadab Khan and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to return to the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.  

Shadab, a former vice-captain, has been out of the team since the T20 World Cup 2024 but is now poised for a comeback. The 26-year-old all-rounder was dropped after inconsistent performances but remained in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contract under Category C for the 2024-25 season.  

Since his exclusion, Shadab has worked on his game in domestic tournaments. In the Champions One-Day Cup, he scored 120 runs and took five wickets. While his T20 performances were modest, with just 24 runs in six matches, his all-round abilities and experience are expected to bolster Pakistan’s spin attack alongside Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim.  

Imam-ul-Haq, a dependable opening batsman, is also likely to make a return. The 29-year-old has been absent from the squad since Pakistan’s World Cup match against South Africa in October 2023. Imam has impressive ODI stats, scoring 3,138 runs in 72 matches at an average of 48.27.  

In domestic cricket, Imam showcased his form by scoring 212 runs in four games in the Champions One-Day Cup, averaging 53. He also played well in the Champions T20 tournament, scoring 256 runs in nine matches for the Lions at an average of 36.67.