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Who should open for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Who should open for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

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BouncerGuy

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As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, Pakistan faces the crucial decision of selecting the ideal opening pair. With experienced contenders like Shan Masood, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq, the selection promises to be a balanced blend of experience and youth.

So, who do you think should open for Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy?

Shoaib Akhtar has his say about the opening pair for the upcoming event.

---------------------------

Shoaib Akhtar speaking during a TV show:

“My belief is that they’re planning to have Mohammad Rizwan open the innings. Speaking of Fakhar Zaman, I’ve seen him play in Dubai, and he’s very determined and strong in his game. He has won matches single-handedly there. He even gave an interview, saying, “Bhai Jan (brother), I’m feeling good, and I’ve been spending a lot of time on the ground here. I wanted to go deep into the game and play till the 15th or 20th over.”

“Babar Azam should not be moved from the number three position and that’s a fair point, and they should stick to it. Because if Babar Azam doesn’t come in at one-down, your middle order gets exposed. You don’t want Mohammad Rizwan coming in at number six or seven—or even at number five. Sure, he has the ability to score run-a-ball innings, but when it comes to hitting big shots toward the end or finding boundaries in crunch situations, that’s not his strength. His best utilization is as an opener. Mohammad Rizwan can take his sweet time and adjust while Fakhar Zaman can lash out. So, assuming the selection hasn’t been finalized yet, it’s possible they could even go out of the way and bring in someone entirely new. That’s a possibility as well. So, in this scenario, one thing is clear, Babar Azam should play at number three.”
 
BouncerGuy said:
As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, Pakistan faces the crucial decision of selecting the ideal opening pair. With experienced contenders like Shan Masood, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq, the selection promises to be a balanced blend of experience and youth.

So, who do you think should open for Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy?

Shoaib Akhtar has his say about the opening pair for the upcoming event.

---------------------------

Shoaib Akhtar speaking during a TV show:

“My belief is that they’re planning to have Mohammad Rizwan open the innings. Speaking of Fakhar Zaman, I’ve seen him play in Dubai, and he’s very determined and strong in his game. He has won matches single-handedly there. He even gave an interview, saying, “Bhai Jan (brother), I’m feeling good, and I’ve been spending a lot of time on the ground here. I wanted to go deep into the game and play till the 15th or 20th over.”

“Babar Azam should not be moved from the number three position and that’s a fair point, and they should stick to it. Because if Babar Azam doesn’t come in at one-down, your middle order gets exposed. You don’t want Mohammad Rizwan coming in at number six or seven—or even at number five. Sure, he has the ability to score run-a-ball innings, but when it comes to hitting big shots toward the end or finding boundaries in crunch situations, that’s not his strength. His best utilization is as an opener. Mohammad Rizwan can take his sweet time and adjust while Fakhar Zaman can lash out. So, assuming the selection hasn’t been finalized yet, it’s possible they could even go out of the way and bring in someone entirely new. That’s a possibility as well. So, in this scenario, one thing is clear, Babar Azam should play at number three.”
Click to expand...
Rizwan ain't gonna open lol.
 
Opening with Rizwan is not a bad options

Rizwan
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Kamran
Agha

This is very good batting lineup
 
Devadwal said:
Opening with Rizwan is not a bad options

Rizwan
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Kamran
Agha

This is very good batting lineup
Click to expand...
Like that idea.. TBH rizwan's only place is to open in ODIs. Him and Fakhar can be a good combo...
 
I don't like the idea of moving pieces all over the place for a major tournament.

It should be a straight swap with a specialist opener. Assuming Saim is injured -- Fakhar + Haseebullah/Imam/Shan is the right strategy although I'm not much of a fan of having Imam in that spot.
 
So Shoaib wants Rizwan to open, a toe crusher to revolutionaries narrative. Only one out of Rizwan or Shan should open
 
It should be either Fakhar/Imam or Fakhar/Shan, they would be very similar I guess. Babar should bat a number 3 and Rizwan in the middle order.
 
Asad Shafiq in a PCB release regarding Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

"Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy."
 
FearlessRoar said:
Asad Shafiq in a PCB release regarding Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

"Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy."
Click to expand...

Basically, Babar opens against Bangladesh and Saud opens against India.
 
I think Fakhar and Saud should be given a chance to open where Fakhar can play his attacking game while Saud can play an anchor role.
 
emranabbas said:
Why not Babar and Rizwan? This is the ideal format for them to open in, rather than T20s.
Click to expand...
Yeah ideal format for pakistan to be 30-2 in 10, followed by every batsmen to score at a rapid pace and pakistan to be bundled out for 150 🤣🤣.

Ps: Ik you were being sarcastic but some people will take this comment seriously lol.
 
Asad Shafiq sees an opening option in Saud Shakeel. So there is a big chance that they will try the combination of Saud Shakeel and Fakhar Zaman.

I just don't see them risking Babar's record at 3. Neither will Rizwan take this risk considering he doesn't have the best of stats in ODI as its his weakest format.

It's either Saud or Usman Khan. I hope its Saud who is at the least a proper batsman who can bat for 40 overs @95 SR.
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
Asad Shafiq sees an opening option in Saud Shakeel. So there is a big chance that they will try the combination of Saud Shakeel and Fakhar Zaman.

I just don't see them risking Babar's record at 3. Neither will Rizwan take this risk considering he doesn't have the best of stats in ODI as its his weakest format.

It's either Saud or Usman Khan. I hope its Saud who is at the least a proper batsman who can bat for 40 overs @95 SR.
Click to expand...
Rizwan averaged 52 last year in ODI and 63 the year before that. He is probably Pakistan's best performing ODI batsman right now, and its also his strongest format.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Asad Shafiq in a PCB release regarding Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

"Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy."
Click to expand...
They will be determining these factors before every game?

In a min. 3 and max. 5 games tournament. We won't know who our openers will be or which player will bat at what position every game?
 
I think Saud and Fakhar will open now considering imam is not selected now and Usman should not play.

Babar and fakhar is another option
 
Fakhar + Saud/Rizwan.

I would try Saud first and if that doesn't click, it's time to bring Rizwan up the order.

The one option I don't like is Babar because his form across all formats is volatile right now yet the one stable part of his game is ODI batting at #3. Let him stay there.

Same goes for Usman Khan. He shouldn't have a batting spot anywhere on this team.
 
And what if fakhar failed first 2 games. We keep assuming fakhar is in great touch and a confirmed spot like Siam would have been.

But anyway. Usman absolute no. Should not play single game unless Rizwan injured.

Choice 1:
Fakhar and Babar. Left right combo. Babar has opened well in tests and t20 (even with not v high strike rate), so opening is not issue for him. He is much better player of pace than spin

Choice 2:
Fakhar and rizwan. Again left right combo and rizwan has opened in t20s and won't stagnate innings in middle overs and maybe get few leg side hack boundaries in power play. Also being captain chance to lead from the front.

Choice 3:
Fakhar and Saud. My least preferred option. Both lefties. Both good against spin and at least Saud best utilized in middle overs with lots of spin to face against India and Bangladesh and to an extent even NZ having decent spin variety.

My recommended top order:
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Rizwan (no choice and he won't change and it's okay)
Karman
Salman
Khushdil

Fakhar Babar: first 20 overs ideally 110.
Saud Rizwan: next 20 overs ideally 110 more so 220.
Karman Salman Khushdil: final 10 overs and go for 100. Total 320.

If Fakhar has a crazy day then 350 possible.
 
kingusama92 said:
Fakhar + Saud/Rizwan.

I would try Saud first and if that doesn't click, it's time to bring Rizwan up the order.

The one option I don't like is Babar because his form across all formats is volatile right now yet the one stable part of his game is ODI batting at #3. Let him stay there.

Same goes for Usman Khan. He shouldn't have a batting spot anywhere on this team.
Click to expand...
It will be difficult for Rizwan to keep 50 overs and then bat as an opener too. Plus he's also the captain, so a lot goes on in between innings.
 
mon858 said:
And what if fakhar failed first 2 games. We keep assuming fakhar is in great touch and a confirmed spot like Siam would have been.

But anyway. Usman absolute no. Should not play single game unless Rizwan injured.

Choice 1:
Fakhar and Babar. Left right combo. Babar has opened well in tests and t20 (even with not v high strike rate), so opening is not issue for him. He is much better player of pace than spin

Choice 2:
Fakhar and rizwan. Again left right combo and rizwan has opened in t20s and won't stagnate innings in middle overs and maybe get few leg side hack boundaries in power play. Also being captain chance to lead from the front.

Choice 3:
Fakhar and Saud. My least preferred option. Both lefties. Both good against spin and at least Saud best utilized in middle overs with lots of spin to face against India and Bangladesh and to an extent even NZ having decent spin variety.

My recommended top order:
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Rizwan (no choice and he won't change and it's okay)
Karman
Salman
Khushdil

Fakhar Babar: first 20 overs ideally 110.
Saud Rizwan: next 20 overs ideally 110 more so 220.
Karman Salman Khushdil: final 10 overs and go for 100. Total 320.

If Fakhar has a crazy day then 350 possible.
Click to expand...
Now that emotions have died down.

The best combination is truly Babar and Fakhar from this squad unfortunately. But Babar is also one of our best no. 3 in the format.

It sucks really that team are in this position because of selections.
 
mon858 said:
And what if fakhar failed first 2 games. We keep assuming fakhar is in great touch and a confirmed spot like Siam would have been.

But anyway. Usman absolute no. Should not play single game unless Rizwan injured.

Choice 1:
Fakhar and Babar. Left right combo. Babar has opened well in tests and t20 (even with not v high strike rate), so opening is not issue for him. He is much better player of pace than spin

Choice 2:
Fakhar and rizwan. Again left right combo and rizwan has opened in t20s and won't stagnate innings in middle overs and maybe get few leg side hack boundaries in power play. Also being captain chance to lead from the front.

Choice 3:
Fakhar and Saud. My least preferred option. Both lefties. Both good against spin and at least Saud best utilized in middle overs with lots of spin to face against India and Bangladesh and to an extent even NZ having decent spin variety.

My recommended top order:
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Rizwan (no choice and he won't change and it's okay)
Karman
Salman
Khushdil

Fakhar Babar: first 20 overs ideally 110.
Saud Rizwan: next 20 overs ideally 110 more so 220.
Karman Salman Khushdil: final 10 overs and go for 100. Total 320.

If Fakhar has a crazy day then 350 possible.
Click to expand...
There's another option which no one's talking about.

Opening with Kamran and Fakhar. Kamran plays no. 3 in domestic and plays positively as well.

At no. 5 in Kamran's place we can have Tayyab.
 
Fakhar
babar
Kamran ghulam
Saud
Rizwan
Agha
Faheem

That should be the batting line up
 
RidiculousMan said:
Now that emotions have died down.

The best combination is truly Babar and Fakhar from this squad unfortunately. But Babar is also one of our best no. 3 in the format.

It sucks really that team are in this position because of selections.
Click to expand...
Saud opening wouldn't be bad. I wouldn't be suprised if they go for it. He did open for QG.

Also he isn't as slow as you believe he is, however yes he hasn't kicked off in odi which is a worry. You don't want a walking wicket at the top especially considering the fact fakhar isn't known for kicking off 24/7.
 
RidiculousMan said:
It will be difficult for Rizwan to keep 50 overs and then bat as an opener too. Plus he's also the captain, so a lot goes on in between innings.
Click to expand...

Valid point.

It might be too much for him in a major tournament.

The first ODI in the tri-series will shed light on which direction they want to go in. I think it's starting to look like they will end up putting Babar up there and covering the middle-order issue with Saud. I would rather try Saud up there but sadly there's no perfect option.

It's bizarre they didn't add a proper second opener regardless of who it was.
 
Doesnt really matter who opens.

Issue is at middle order and lower order. Once the top 3 are out, we are as bad as Bangladesh. No one is able to stand at their wicket, everyone becomes a tailender.

You can play saud shakeel as an opener or as a middle order batter, he is still gonna suck.
 
Are you in favor of Babar opening for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

6TtorPO.jpg
 
FearlessRoar said:
Are you in favor of Babar opening for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

6TtorPO.jpg
Click to expand...
Naw, Saud should open. I feel like people are underestimating saud.

He's Pakistan's best test batter, and he's technically sound and a natural vs spin.

I feel like giving him the opening spot can work.
 
I think Babar should only play in Test, ODI, and PSL.

It can help him to avoid burnout.
 
Rana said:
Saud Conway
Click to expand...
Their isnt any other option. Said is not better then saim but he is the only person who can logically replace him and provide a cushion for pakistan.

Babar at opening will be comical .
 
FearlessRoar said:
Are you in favor of Babar opening for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

6TtorPO.jpg
Click to expand...
Rizwan / Saud can also Open .

Fakhar
Rizwan/ Saud
Babar
Saud/ Rizwan
Kamran
Agha

I think Pakistan has Best top 6 batters in ODI cricket among all the team's .

:kp
 
I wouldn’t want King Babar open because his wicket in the middle order is too precious and is generally the game changer.

So will go with Fakhar and Shan Maqsood.

Rizwan’s dynamic batting, ability to change gears and unleash and ability to finish is needed lower down the order.
 
mominsaigol said:
He's Pakistan's best test batter, and he's technically sound and a natural vs spin.
Click to expand...
He won't be facing spinners in Test.

He will be facing Henry, Rourke, Bumrah and Shami with new ball. And he will need to not survive but also score quickly.
 
mominsaigol said:
Their isnt any other option. Said is not better then saim but he is the only person who can logically replace him and provide a cushion for pakistan.

Babar at opening will be comical .
Click to expand...

Saud is an excellent player of spin.

He can counter the likes of Jadeja, Kuldeep, Axar, Santner, etc. if playing at 3/4…

Babar has a better shot opening
 
Salman Butt, while talking on his YouTube channel:

"They were asking about which batter should have been included. I think it’s a good question, but in ODI cricket, Babar is the bind between the upper and middle orders. He's got that flexibility. He’s a key player in both positions. But you’re referring to players like Sachin Tendulkar, who moved between positions mid-career. You need to consider that he had extensive experience, with strong backups around him. And here, you’ve taken your best player and placed him against the new ball with a mix of players making a comeback and others yet to debut. That’s a lot of responsibility."

"The question is, if the top order isn't able to get a solid start, who can finish well? We only have a handful of players who can do that in the middle order. I don’t see the kind of star value we used to in our players. Winning teams have star players – it’s the effort in winning that makes them stars. Take the example of Noman and Sajid; they became stars after their match-winning performances in the series. But it's not just about being consistent in domestic cricket – it's about delivering in key matches."
 
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali, while speaking on his YouTube channel:

"Babar's place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn't perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open."

"Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence."
 
I hear news about Usman opening with Fakhar.

Usman does have some positive attributes. He tries to be aggressive and plays selflessly. The issue is that his shot selection can be disgusting.

Saud Shakeel would be a safer bet.
 
gazza619 said:
I hear news about Usman opening with Fakhar.

Usman does have some positive attributes. He tries to be aggressive and plays selflessly. The issue is that his shot selection can be disgusting.

Saud Shakeel would be a safer bet.
Click to expand...
Where did you hear that... Usman is not even gonna get a single game
 
Fakhar Zaman thinks that the change to the opening position won't affect Babar Azam in ODIs.

Do you agree with him?

C1P6Xfj.jpg
 
Mohammad Rizwan, while addressing the press conference ahead of the first match of the Tri-Nation ODI series against New Zealand, backed Babar Azam as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman:

”As Hasan Ali said, ‘King Karlega’-he will do it, Saim ayub was exceptional, he performed well and his absence will be felt.”
 
RIP PCT
FearlessRoar said:
Mohammad Rizwan, while addressing the press conference ahead of the first match of the Tri-Nation ODI series against New Zealand, backed Babar Azam as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman:

”As Hasan Ali said, ‘King Karlega’-he will do it, Saim ayub was exceptional, he performed well and his absence will be felt.”
Click to expand...
 
It is all clear now....it will be Fakhar and Babar.

Apart from king jokes, it is not a bad setup. Pak's 3 best ODI batters will be coming in top 4 and with Saud likely at #3 it is an even mix of leftie and rightie.

In effect Pak top order will have to contend against new ball of
1) India - Arsh 4+ Shami 3+ Hardik 3
2) NZ - Henry 4 + O Rourke 4 + Lockie 2

These are manageable bowlers in these conditions. While they are still quality they dont have ability to take pitch out of equation like a prime Bumrah or Starc does.
 
I think Babar and Fakhar will open... Pakistan may not try Saud up top
 
BouncerGuy said:
I think Babar and Fakhar will open... Pakistan may not try Saud up top
Click to expand...
According to cricinfo( it's their prediction not mine) this is the playing 11 PK will go for.

1) Babar
2) Fakhar
3) Kamran
4) Rizwan
5) Saud
6) Agha
7) Khushdil/Tayyab
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Rauf
11) Abrar
 
Kamran Akmal expressed his dissatisfaction with Babar Azam opening the innings, as he mentioned on his YouTube channel:

"You are making Babar open. With this decision, the team combination is ruined, and so is Babar's confidence."
 
Mohammad Amir is the latest to join the bandwagon, and he too believes that Babar Azam should bat at No. 3, as he stated in an interview with a media outlet:

"As I told you, my strength is that if I don't get to bowl with a new ball, I won't be able to use it because it's my strength, a new ball. And I should be picked with my strength. Babar's strength is number 3. He knows how to build innings from there. The opener's role is different in T20. In One-Day and Test, the role is different."

"He has to do it in phases. In 10 overs, I have to take a chance. In the next 10 overs, I have to build a partnership. The role is different. Babar, yes, he's a big player. But I think he should have played at number 3. This is his strength. Yes, when you're stuck, you try different things. Maybe I should take runs from here or there."
 
I personally would bring in Shan Masood as a shot term gap until Saim is fit.

Shan at least shows some intent despite his poor numbers unlike Imam who absorbs dot balls without a sensible release shot.
 
its too late now... better to go for Saud and Fakhar as openers and bring Babar down at number 3 position.
 
Aaqib is still hell-bent on making Babar an opener.. This thing has not worked so far, put him back to 3 and let said or kamran or Usman open... Usman and kamran + fakhar will give you a left-right combo.
 
Umar Akmal, while speaking on his newly launched YouTube channel:

“Our batter at the top, whom we call King Babar, needs to score big. A lot of responsibility has been fallen on him. He’ll be leading from the front in the Champions Trophy since he’s opening. So, if he’s being trusted as an opener then he should live up to that trust.”
 
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