Here's Pakistan’s likely XI for Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India

Pakistan is preparing to take on arch-rivals India in their second match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday. The match will be crucial for Pakistan, as they look to bounce back from a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening game in Karachi.  

Pakistan will be forced to make changes after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. His replacement, Imam-ul-Haq, is expected to take his place at the top of the order alongside Babar Azam.  

The team is also set to include middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam, who will likely replace Tayyab Tahir. Meanwhile, Usman Khan’s selection remains uncertain as he is out of form and has yet to make his ODI debut.  

Pakistan’s bowling attack, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and spinner Abrar Ahmed, is expected to remain unchanged.  

Pakistan and India have faced each other five times in the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan winning three matches and India winning two. Their most famous encounter was in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs to win their first-ever Champions Trophy title.  

In overall ODIs, the two teams have played 135 times, with Pakistan winning 73 matches and India winning 57. Five matches ended without a result.  

Pakistan’s likely playing XI against India:

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

With a high-pressure India-Pakistan match coming up, Pakistan will aim for a strong comeback and a much-needed win in the Champions Trophy 2025.