From experienced campaigners making a comeback to a key run-scoring being sidelined by injury, multiple talking points from the 15-member squad of the defending champions.

Host Pakistan has recalled opening batter Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf for next month’s Champions Trophy while Saim Ayub was ruled out due to fractured ankle.

The anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is building rapidly, and with the tournament just days away, all the teams have now finalized their squads. This year’s event promises to showcase the best of international cricket as eight teams battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies.

Fakhar Zaman returns to the Pakistan squad for the first time since a falling out with the PCB over a social media post, returning to the side for the Champions Trophy. In a statement which termed the squad a "horses for courses" approach,

Veteran Fakhar Zaman is in the mix, having played a monumental role in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He scored a maiden ODI ton (114 off 106 deliveries) at The Oval, London, as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the silverware. Also recalled are Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

Pakistan selectors on Friday sprung a surprise by including just one specialist spinner and picking nine batsmen in their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy beginning next month. Abrar Ahmed, 26, the only specialist spinner in the squad captained by Mohammad Rizwan, has played four ODIs taking 10 wickets with a best of 4/33.