Author: Shahid Hashmi

Left-handed opening batter Imam-ul-Haq has replaced injured opener Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals India.

Fakhar was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after he sustained an injury during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against New Zealand in Karachi yesterday.

The injury occurred in the very first over of New Zealand’s innings when Fakhar fell awkwardly while fielding, forcing him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

Imam-ul-Haq, who recently represented Pakistan Shaheens in the Champions Trophy warm-up match against South Africa, was later confirmed to replace Fakhar in the squad.

“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad” the PCB stated in a media release.

“Twenty-nine-year-old Imam, who has played 72 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Fakhar was ruled out due to an oblique injury.

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“The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.”

Imam played his last of 72 ODIs against South Africa during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He has scored 3,138 runs at an impressive average of 48.27, featuring nine centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, his last international match was the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2023 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand yesterday.

They will now travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Pakistan faced a major blow ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals India as opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, sources confirmed on Thursday.

Fakhar, who sustained an injury during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against New Zealand in Karachi, will not be traveling with the team to Dubai for the match against India. The ICC is expected to make an official announcement regarding his replacement soon.

The injury occurred in the very first over of New Zealand’s innings when Fakhar fell awkwardly while fielding, forcing him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement saying, “Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain, and further updates will be provided in due course.”

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Despite the discomfort, Fakhar still came out to bat in Pakistan’s chase of 321 runs. However, he looked far from his usual fluent self, managing a scratchy 24 before getting dismissed.

With no other specialist opener in the squad apart from Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan now faces a major selection headache ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy match against India.

The defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand yesterday.

They will now travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Salman Ali Agha reveals the key factor behind Pakistan’s defeat

KARACHI: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury scare during the ongoing match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand here on Wednesday.

The left-hander fell awkwardly while fielding in the first over of New Zealand’s innings and had to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Fakhar Zaman did return to the field after some time, attempting to continue, but he soon walked off again, raising concerns about his fitness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later released a statement, saying, “Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course.”

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Pakistan will now be anxiously waiting for further medical reports, hoping that the injury isn’t serious, given Fakhar’s importance to the team’s batting lineup.

For the unversed, after today’s game against New Zealand, the Pakistan cricket team will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Pakistan national selection committee is considering young left-arm pacer Akif Javed to replace fast bowler Haris Rauf, who is sidelined due to injury, for the ongoing tri-nation ODI series, sources revealed.

For the unversed, Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand after bowling 6.2 overs due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region.

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” PCB shared in a statement.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February.

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“However, as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on 12 February.”

The sources have revealed that a replacement player will likely be added to the squad, with discussions revolving around Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mohammad Ali.

According to sources, the selection committee of Pakistan is inclined towards including Akif as Rauf’s replacement and an official announcement regarding his inclusion is expected soon.

Despite his injury, Haris Rauf will continue to stay with the national squad. Meanwhile, sources confirm that no changes are expected in Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad as of now.

READ: Tri-nation series: South Africa, New Zealand squads reach Karachi

LAHORE: The New Zealand cricket team arrived here on Wednesday for the tri-nation ODI series involving hosts Pakistan and South Africa.

The Kiwi squad landed via a private airline through Dubai, receiving a warm welcome upon arrival. The team will take a complete rest today to recover from the journey and recharge before hitting the field tomorrow.

New Zealand will take part in a joint training session with the home side at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

The series will officially begin on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.

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It’s worth noting that South Africa will arrive in Pakistan on February 7 and will conduct their first practice session at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on February 8.

The tri-nation series holds significant importance for Pakistan as well as New Zealand and South Africa as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Following their opening match in Lahore, the national team will travel to Karachi for their next fixture. Before that, New Zealand and South Africa will face each other before moving to Karachi.

The final of the series is set to take place on February 14 at the recently renovated National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

New Zealand squad for Tri-nation ODI series

Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy

WATCH: PCB unveils PSL 10 logo ahead of milestone edition

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday revealed that the tickets for the Dubai leg of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will go on sale from 3 February (today).

“Get ready to secure your seats for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 as tickets for India’s three group-stage matches and the first semi-final, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, will be available for purchase starting Monday, 3 February, at 16:00 hours GST.,” the ICC stated in a press release.

“Fans can buy tickets online for the matches to be held at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium with general stand prices starting from AED 125.

“Ticket Sales for the 10 matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, have already gone on general sale on Tuesday.

“Additionally, for those preferring physical tickets, they will be available from Monday, 3 February, at 16:00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) across 108 TCS centres in 26 cities nationwide.

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“Tickets for the much-anticipated Final, set to take place on Sunday, 9 March, will be released following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.”

The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.

In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.

Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

The three group matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

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PAARL: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa, scheduled to be played at Boland Park here on 17 December.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the innings for Pakistan, while star batter Babar Azam, who rested during the ODI series against Zimbabwe, has returned to his usual number three spot.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Irfan Khan will follow in the subsequent batting positions.

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Abrar Ahmed, who made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe last month, has been selected as the sole spinner in the Playing XI, while Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will form the pace attack of Pakistan in the series-opener against South Africa.

It’s worth noting that South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma is set to miss the first ODI and Aiden Markram will lead the team in his absence.

Bavuma has been rested to manage his workload ahead of the crucial two-match Test series against Pakistan. However, he is likely to feature in the next two ODIs.

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It’s worth noting that after the series opener today, Pakistan and South Africa will play subsequent ODIs in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Meanwhile, the two-match Test series will kick off in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town, starting from January 3.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

READ: South Africa captain to miss first ODI against Pakistan, replacement named

PAARL: The trophy for the ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa has been unveiled on Monday here at Boland Park.

The three-match ODI series will kick off tomorrow at the same venue at 05:00 PM (PST), while the second and third fixtures are scheduled to be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.

South Africa had won the T20I series 2-0 after the third T20I was washed out on 14 December.

The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both Pakistan and South Africa as they look to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025.

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Pakistan’s squad has been bolstered with the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam while wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have received their maiden ODI call-ups.

This will be Mohammad Rizwan’s third ODI series as skipper of the side as he has started his stint with back-to-back ODI series wins over Australia and Zimbabwe.

In their last bilateral face-off in the 50-over format, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1 in South Africa in April 2021.

“This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and with Allah’s help we will look to emulate our performances from the ODI series against Australia,” Rizwan said.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

“We couldn’t get the ideal results in the T20I series but I am really happy with some of the performances put in by our players in these conditions especially Saim’s batting was brilliant in both games.

“I see a lot of potential in our ODI squad with players young and experienced both willing to put the best step forward, which makes us an exciting prospect as a one-day side not just going into this series but also in the home tri-nation series and the blockbuster white-ball mega event at home.”

Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

READ: Fakhar Zaman needs to let his bat speak: Shoaib Akhtar

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

The PCB has confirmed the appointment of Aqib as the interim head coach, following the unexpected resignation of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.

Gillespie’s decision to step down was reportedly driven by growing differences with the PCB, creating a rift that ultimately led to his departure from the role.

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Earlier today, news broke that Gillespie refused to travel to South Africa, where he was set to oversee a specialized training camp in preparation for an upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Gillespie’s decision to abandon the trip, which he was meant to commence yesterday, was influenced by the PCB’s choice not to extend the contract of red-ball assistant coach Tim Nielsen, a move that seemed to displease him significantly.

Although Gillespie cited personal reasons for his refusal to travel, many believe that his discomfort with the PCB is rooted in a series of recent administrative shifts.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

Notably, in October, he was removed from the Test team’s selection panel, with his role reduced to a “match-day strategist,” following Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar and Azhar Ali’s inclusion in the national men’s selection committee.

Aqib Javed, who is currently in South Africa with Pakistan’s white-ball team, will kick off his tenure as red-ball head coach with the two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26. The second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

Pakistan squad for Test series against South Africa

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

READ: Jason Gillespie refuses to join Pakistan team on South Africa tour: sources

Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has refused to travel to South Africa where Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to sources, the former Australian pacer took the decision after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed Tim Nielsen from his role as assistant coach.

Reports had earlier said that the PCB decided against extending Tim Nielsen’s contract, leading Jason Gillespie to re-evaluate his own position as the Pakistan red-ball coach.

As per sources, Gillespie was taken aback by the PCB’s decision and has now refused to travel to South Africa to join the Pakistan side.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that Jason Gillespie has resigned from the post and the PCB will soon accept his resignation from his role as Pakistan red-ball coach.

According to sources, the PCB is likely to appoint an interim red-ball coach for the upcoming PAK v SA Test series.

It is worth noting here that the Pakistan team is currently on the South Africa tour where the T20I series between the national side and the hosts is underway.

Following the conclusion of the PAK v SA T20I and ODI series, Pakistan and South Africa are set to engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26.

The second PAK v SA Test is scheduled for January 3 in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada and batter Heinrich Klaasen returned as South Africa announced the squad for the three-match PAK v SA home ODI series.

David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played an ODI almost a year ago, are included in the South Africa squad.

READ: Tim Nielsen removed as Pakistan’s assistant coach