Imam Ul Haq Set To Enter Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad As Late Entry- Report

Imam-Ul-Haq, the opener for Pakistan, has passed the necessary fitness tests, removing a barrier to his inclusion in the national squad. Imam might now have a shot after not being chosen for Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad.

Imam-Ul-Haq has outstanding numbers in One-Day International cricket and is one of Pakistan's most reliable hitters. The left-hander can play for a long time and might be a good addition to Fakhar Zaman as a top-order batsman.

Imam-Ul-Haq passed every fitness test administered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) with flying colors, according to local sports journalist Qadir Khawaja.

Imam Ul Haq passes the required fitness tests, might be considered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Simon Drakes, a Pakistani trainer, was there on the field, attentively observing the action. Imam completed a 2-kilometer running test in the allotted time. After that, the opener worked out at the gym and felt at ease there as well.

Later, there was also a running between-wickets session, which Imam completed with flying colors. Imam's fitness issues are thought to have prevented him from playing for Pakistan's current squad.

He is probably going to rejoin the team, though, and he might even land a central deal. Imam has been one of Pakistan's most reliable openers in the ODI format over the past 10 years, so this is fantastic news.

Good news for Imam-ul-Haq, and hopes are still alive if the selection committee includes him in the Champions Trophy squad as an injury replacement.#ChampionsTrophy #CT2025 #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/mdDae0i4v6

— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) February 16, 2025

Will Imam-ul-Haq play in the Champions Trophy?

Imam-ul-Haq might be included in Pakistan's Champions Trophy team. To go with Fakhar Zaman at the top, the Men in Green are searching for a suitable opener. Babar Azam was promoted to the starting position by the team management, who wanted him to play a part in the Champions Trophy.

But Babar's bad play has given the team management pause, and if Imam is selected for the Champions Trophy, the star batsman may return to No. 3.

However, the window for making any changes to the final roster has passed, and Pakistan would need the tournament's technical committee's approval to do so.

In his 72 ODI appearances to date, Imam-ul-Haq has amassed 3138 runs at an average of 48.27, with nine hundreds and twenty fifties. He previously had a lot of success with Fakhar Zaman.

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam opened in the Tri-Series

Fakhar recently scored 135 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 120.53 in three tri-series games, indicating that he is in good condition. Given his ability to anchor an innings, Imam might end up being the ideal counterpoint for him.

Babar Azam, who has had the majority of his success in ODI cricket, will be able to return to his position at No. 3. Pakistan had previously had success and won multiple games with the three of Fakhar, Imam, and Babar.

Also Read: Babar Azam To Be Demoted By Pakistan Owing To Poor Form In ICC Champions Trophy 2025