Zafar Iqbal
Pakistan cricketer Imam-ul-Haq shared a cryptic post on social media after being left out of the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite speculation about his inclusion, the selectors chose to prioritize middle-order depth over an additional opening batter.
Pakistan’s Squad Announcement for Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan was the last team to announce its 15-member squad for the prestigious tournament. The final selection saw Fakhar Zaman as the first-choice opener, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel as possible partners at the top. With Saim Ayub ruled out due to injury, there was a chance for another opener, but the selectors instead strengthened the middle order.
The inclusion of Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel meant there was no space for Imam-ul-Haq.
Imam-ul-Haq’s Reaction
Following the squad announcement, Imam took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts.
“Not the outcome I expected, but the journey isn’t over. This is how life is—it’s all about growth and getting stronger with every hurdle. Patience and trust in Allah is the key!”
His post suggests disappointment but also a determination to keep working towards a comeback.
Imam-ul-Haq’s Recent Performances
Imam last played for Pakistan in an ODI against South Africa on October 27, 2023, during the ODI World Cup. His most recent international appearance was in a Test match against Australia in December 2023.
After being dropped due to inconsistent performances, Imam shifted his focus to domestic cricket. He competed in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, representing Multan, where he emerged as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer:
| Statistic | Performance |
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Total Runs Scored | 635 |
| Batting Average | 79.37 |
| Centuries | 3 |
| Half-Centuries | 1 |
These impressive numbers showcased Imam’s form, but they were not enough to secure a place in the national squad.
Pakistan’s Final Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s final 15-member squad for the tournament includes:
- Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel
- Middle Order: Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah
- All-Rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Salman Agha
- Wicketkeeper & Captain: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk)
- Bowlers: Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
The squad highlights Pakistan’s strategy of reinforcing its middle-order depth and bowling strength, rather than adding another opener.
Why Was Imam-ul-Haq Left Out?
The selectors opted for a power-packed middle order and explosive finishers over an extra opener. The presence of Fakhar Zaman and the versatility of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel meant there was no immediate need for Imam’s inclusion. Moreover, the management likely prioritized players better suited for power-hitting in limited-overs cricket.
Despite his strong domestic performances, Imam’s omission signals that the selectors are looking for more aggressive batting options in their ODI setup.
What’s Next for Imam-ul-Haq?
Imam-ul-Haq’s journey is far from over. His performance in domestic cricket suggests that he remains a valuable asset. If he continues to perform consistently, he may find himself back in the squad for future tours and tournaments.
For now, his exclusion from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad is a reminder of the intense competition for spots in the national team. His determination, as reflected in his social media post, indicates that he will continue striving to regain his place.
Conclusion
Imam-ul-Haq’s exclusion from the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 was unexpected for many, given his recent domestic form. However, the selectors have chosen a different team balance, focusing on power-hitting middle-order batters. Imam’s response on social media reflects disappointment but also resilience. If he continues his strong domestic performances, a return to the national team remains a strong possibility.
