Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s top-order batsman, is gearing up for a return to international cricket with a strong focus on the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be held on home soil. In a recent interview on the Viper Voices podcast, Zaman expressed confidence in his readiness for the tournament and emphasized his dedication to ensuring he’s in peak physical condition.
He revealed that his primary goal is to be fully available for the Champions Trophy, which led him to skip series against Australia and South Africa. Zaman explained that after missing the T20 World Cup due to illness and fitness concerns, he has now made a full recovery.
Zaman shared that conversations with selectors and the head coach have been encouraging, and there’s excitement about his return to the team. “You will see me in Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball series,” he said confidently, signaling his determination.
The 2023 World Cup was his last international appearance, with his final match in June 2024. Zaman is best known for his match-winning 114-run knock in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India.
Additionally, Zaman praised the young opener, Saeem Ayub, for his impressive start to his One-Day International career, with three centuries and one half-century in just nine innings, including two centuries against Australia and South Africa. Zaman expressed hope that Ayub would recover soon and continue his promising form, believing he has the potential to be one of the world’s top three players over the next four to five years.
Zaman also highlighted Pakistan’s strength in having three of the world’s top players—Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Saeem Ayub—and called his inclusion in the team a stroke of good fortune.
