The Pakistan cricket team could feature a new-look opening batting lineup in the upcoming tri-series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to Saim Ayub’s injury. Pakistan’s regular openers in recent months, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, are both expected to be excluded from the squads, prompting a reshuffle at the top of the order.
Saim is unlikely to be cleared to play due to a fractured ankle, while Abdullah’s struggles with the bat in ODIs have been well-documented.
As a result, there are rumours that Pakistan’s limited-overs captain, Mohammad Rizwan, will take on the responsibility of opening alongside Fakhar Zaman in the upcoming tri-series, serving as preparation for the Champions Trophy. The wicketkeeper-batter has never batted higher than No. 4 in ODIs for Pakistan, but he may be moved up the order due to the team’s limited options.
While Rizwan is the frontrunner, the rumour mill has also hinted at the possibility of Babar Azam opening the innings alongside Fakhar. Babar has previously opened the innings for Pakistan in 2 ODIs, scoring 26 runs at an average of 13.00.
It is unlikely that Pakistan will include either Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique or Shan Masood in the Champions Trophy squad, which might lead to one off Babar or Rizwan to open in the innings.
While no final decision has been made, the tri-series, starting on February 8, will serve as a key testing ground ahead of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan is looking to finalize its best opening pair before the mega event, ensuring a solid start in high-pressure matches.
With limited time before the final squad submission deadline on February 11, the team management will closely monitor Rizwan and Fakhar’s performances in the tri-series before making a long-term decision.