Pakistan’s preparations for their high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India have received a significant boost, with opener Imam-ul-Haq cleared to link up with the squad in Dubai. The left-handed batter has received his travel visa and is scheduled to depart today, ensuring his availability for the marquee fixture on February 23.
According to sources in local media, Imam was set to fly to Dubai on AirBlue’s flight PA410, departing at 1 PM. He arrived in Lahore from Karachi, where he was representing PTV in the President’s Trophy Grade-I against OGDCL, last night before making the final leg of his journey to join the national team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier confirmed that the rest of the squad traveled to Dubai on Thursday.
The 28-year-old lefty was called up as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, and will be looking to make an immediate impact if drafted into the playing XI.
His last ODI appearance came against South Africa during the 2023 World Cup, but Imam-ul-Haq boasts an impressive record in the format, which could tilt the odds of opening against India in the Champions Trophy fixture in his favor. Having scored 3,138 runs in 72 matches at an average of 48.27, including nine centuries and 20 fifties, he is no stranger to the bright lights of international ODI cricket.
Pakistan, the defending champions and tournament hosts, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back after suffering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match. They will hold a training session in Dubai today as they fine-tune their final preparations for the much-anticipated encounter against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Stadium.
Following the India clash, Pakistan will return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27, which could prove to be a dead rubber if Rohit Sharma’s men get the job done this Sunday.