Sarfaraz Ahmed excluded from Pakistan Champions' final WCL 2025 squad

Former captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced in the Pakistan Champions squad for the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, which began on Friday.

The squad announcement came just hours before Pakistan Champions kicked off their campaign against England Champions at Edgbaston. Team owner Kamil Khan revealed the final squad, with Kamran Akmal replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed at the last moment, while Fawad Alam was a surprise inclusion in the middle order.

Earlier this year, the franchise had officially confirmed Sarfaraz as part of their WCL squad, even sharing a video on social media with the caption: “CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND! Sarfaraz Ahmed is bringing his winning mentality to Pakistan Champions for WCL Season 2.”

However, it was legendary all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez who led the team in their thrilling five-run win over England Champions in the tournament opener.

Batting first, Pakistan Champions scored 160/9, with Mohammad Hafeez anchoring the innings with a crucial 54 off 34. Aamer Yamin added a fiery unbeaten 27, including 22 runs in the final over.

In reply, England Champions managed 155/3. Phil Mustard (58) and Ian Bell (51*) fought hard but fell short. Rumman Raees, Aamer Yamin, and Sohail Tanvir took a wicket each to secure a five-run win.

Pakistan Champions now top the WCL 2025 table, while England Champions sit at the bottom.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025: Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Sharjeel Khan, Fawad Alam, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Asif Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Rumman Raees, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan.