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Pakistan are set to co-host the Champions Trophy 2025 alongside the UAE, marking the return of the prestigious ICC tournament after eight years. Expectations will be sky-high for the home team, as they look to make the most of familiar conditions and put up a strong challenge for the title.
Pakistan’s search for the perfect opening pair
As part of their preparations, Pakistan have recently announced their Champions Trophy squad, but one notable absence is young opener Saim Ayub, who missed out due to injury. This has left the team management with the task of finding an ideal opening partner for Fakhar Zaman, who has made his return to the ODI setup. Fakhar’s aggressive approach at the top is crucial for Pakistan, but he needs a solid partner to ensure stability. With the tournament approaching, three names have emerged as possible candidates to open the innings with Fakhar.
3 players who can be Fakhar Zaman’s opening partner in Champions Trophy 2025
1. Babar Azam – The experienced contender
Babar Azam is undoubtedly Pakistan’s most accomplished batter across formats. Having previously opened in ODIs, he is well-versed in handling the new ball and pacing an innings. His ability to rotate strike, build partnerships, and accelerate when required makes him a strong candidate.
Moreover, as a former captain, Babar’s leadership on the field could help Fakhar play with more freedom. While Babar has predominantly batted at No. 3 in ODIs, he has successfully opened in the past, including during the T20 World Cup 2021, where he formed a formidable partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. If Pakistan prioritize experience and stability, Babar is the safest choice.
Pros of Babar opening:
✔ Proven track record in ODIs
✔ Ability to bat long innings
✔ Leadership experience and composure
✔ Has previously opened successfully in white-ball cricket
Cons of Babar opening:
✖ Moving him from No. 3 could affect Pakistan’s middle order balance
✖ Strike rate might be a concern in the powerplay
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2. Saud Shakeel – The surprise inclusion
Saud Shakeel‘s selection in the Champions Trophy squad raised eyebrows, but PCB selector Asad Shafiq has confirmed that he is in consideration for the opening role. Shakeel is an elegant left-handed batter known for his technique, patience, and ability to rotate strike.
Having made a name for himself in Test cricket, Shakeel is still finding his feet in the limited-overs format. However, his compact technique could help Pakistan counter the moving ball in seaming conditions. If Pakistan are looking for a left-right combination at the top, Shakeel could be a promising option.
“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy,” Asad had stated in a media release.
Pros of Saud opening:
✔ Left-handed batter to complement Fakhar
✔ Strong technique against the new ball
✔ Can stabilize the innings if early wickets fall
Cons of Saud opening:
✖ Lack of experience in white-ball cricket
✖ Strike rate concerns in ODIs
3. Kamran Ghulam – The emerging candidate
Kamran Ghulam is a relatively new face in Pakistan’s ODI setup, having played just 10 matches so far. While he is yet to establish himself in white-ball cricket, his recent performances as a top-order batter in Tests have put him in contention.
Kamran has shown his ability to play long innings in red-ball cricket, and that could translate well into ODIs. He possesses a solid technique and has the temperament to build an innings, making him an interesting candidate for the opening role. While he remains an outsider in the race, Pakistan might consider him if they need someone to grind out the new ball and allow Fakhar to play his natural attacking game.
Pros of Kamran opening:
✔ Strong temperament and patience
✔ Has batted in the top order in Tests
✔ Can adapt to challenging conditions
Cons of Kamran opening:
✖ Limited ODI experience
✖ Unproven at the international level against top teams
