Aakash Chopra Predicts Pakistan’s Playing XI For Champions Trophy 2025

The former Indian opening batter, Aakash Chopra, has picked Pakistan’s probable squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 with the opening game between the host and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

During the tri-series, Pakistan opened with Babar Azam alongside Fakhar Zaman. The latter drilled a few aggressive runs at the opening position for the Green Brigade during the tri-series against the Blackcaps and South Africa. But Azam failed to find smoothness with the blade.

Aakash Chopra ignores Babar Azam as Pakistan’s opener

The former Delhi batter feels that Babar should bat at his suitable position of number three in the batting department, as he selected Saud Shakeel as the new opener. The issue for the defending champions was created after Saim Ayub, the left-handed opener, was ruled out of the competition due to an ankle injury.

Also Read: Ex-Pakistan Batter Leaks Mohammad Rizwan’s Frustration With This Player For Champions Trophy

“What will their predicted XI be like? I am thinking of Saud Shakeel with Fakhar Zaman, as Saim Ayub is not there now. Babar Azam at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4, and then Salman Agha, Khusdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.” Chopra expressed this in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

He also reckoned that Shakeel, Khusdil, and Abrar would be the three players from the Mohammad Rizwan-led side who would gain more focus and attention from the entire 15-member squad.

“There will be a little extra focus on three players - Saud Shakeel because we will properly see him playing for the first time, Khusdil Shah because he is a proven all-rounder in T20s and has a golden arm as well, but can he do that job in ODIs, and Abrar Ahmed as he is slightly underrated and not many people have seen him or played against him.” The Uttar Pradesh-born highlighted.

Aakash Chopra opines Pakistan’s semifinal finish on this condition

The former Indian batter feels that the Mohammad Rizwan-led side, who earned three successive ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, should finish in the semi-final if they play to their potential.

But he felt that Pakistan would need to earn a victory against one of New Zealand or India as the Bangladesh side is unlikely to win an encounter.

In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that the home side will look to play several all-rounders in the side, as the batting department will be built around Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the Champions Trophy 2025.

“When you look at their team, it seems like they are searching for options. They want batting till No. 8 or No. 9 and a few spin-bowling all-rounders, with Faheem Ashraf also doing both jobs.” Aakash Chopra claimed.

“They will want to revolve their entire batting around Babar and Rizwan. I am extremely interested to see how Saud Shakeel plays because he will get a place in the top three this time.” The veteran elaborated.

Also Read: Babar Azam Suggested This By Former South African Captain Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025

He also predicted that Babar Azam’s batting in the tournament would decide their luck in the mega event, alongside Mohammad Rizwan’s batting at number four.

“They are still reliant a lot on Babar Azam - 6000 ODI runs and the speed at which he has reached this far. Babar Azam's performances and Pakistan's wins are close-knit to each other. He and Mohammad Rizwan are their batting mainstays.” Aakash Chopra concluded.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted Pakistan Playing XI For Champions Trophy 2025

Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk.), Salman Ali Agha, Khusdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.