Mon Feb 03 09:01:06 UTC 2025: ## Wasim Akram Highlights Fakhar Zaman as Pakistan’s X-Factor for Champions Trophy 2025

**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has identified Fakhar Zaman as a key player for Pakistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Akram warned rival teams to be wary of Zaman’s explosive batting form, highlighting his recent impressive domestic performances.

Zaman, a 34-year-old left-handed batsman, was notably absent from the recent West Indies Test series but has been selected for the Champions Trophy. His inclusion follows a strong showing in the Champions T20 Cup where he scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 132.31 for the Markhor team, making him the third highest run-scorer in the tournament. He is expected to return to international cricket in a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa before the Champions Trophy.

The Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament featuring 15 matches, is scheduled to run from February 19th to March 9th, 2025. Akram’s endorsement underscores Zaman’s potential to be a game-changer for Pakistan in the competition. The full Pakistan squad includes: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

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