ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam's batting position revealed as PCB doubts his capability

Pakistan National Cricket Team are likely to continue with Babar Azam in the middle order in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per the reports in Cricket Pakistan, it is learned that the selection committee is against the batter opening the innings, and they want him to retain his place in the middle.

Pakistan National Cricket Team have kept many waiting as they are yet to name their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side hacve given no hints on when they will be naming their team. They will also be playing the tri-series before the tournament, and it is expected that the squad for both series will be announced together.

Pakistan, who are the only team who are yet to reveal their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, are reportedly waiting for the fitness of Saim Ayub, who suffered an ankle injury during the recent Test series against South Africa. It is likely that he will be ruled out but PCB is making every effort to see if the batter is fit.

The selection committee is against the idea to make Babar Azam open in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Since the last few weeks, there have been several reports that have provided hints about the squad for the team. It is learned that selectors are considering Fakhar Zaman for the opening slot, and along with that, there have been talks about promoting Babar Azam to the top of the order.

However, the selection committee is against this decision. The reports claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants players with prior experience as openers to take over the role for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is learned that selectors believe that Babar’s skill set would be better utilized in the middle order.

Name of Imam-ul-Haq is also being discussed for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The reports added that it is learned that the name of Imam-ul-Haq is also being discussed. The left-hander opened the innings regularly under the leadership of Babar Azam and last played an ODI match during the ICC World Cup 2023, following which Saim Ayub was included in the Pakistan setup.

It is also learned that power-hitter Usman Khan has been training with former cricketer Abdul Razzaq to improve his power game. There are chances that the young batter might be included in the team as the side has been lacking a consistent power-hitter.

There are also discussions about including Khushdil Shah as Pakistan looks to strengthen their middle order heading into the mega event. The squad might be to be announced on Thursday (30th January).

Expected Pakistan squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman, Aamer Jamal, and Khushdil Shah

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