Veteran Fakhar Zaman is in the mix, having played a monumental role in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He scored a maiden ODI ton (114 off 106 deliveries) at The Oval, London, as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the silverware. Also recalled are Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

The tournament will miss the presence of two former world champions, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, as they failed to qualify for this year's competition.

From experienced campaigners making a comeback to a key run-scorer being sidelined by injury, there were multiple talking points from Pakistan's 15-member Champions Trophy squad.

Amid much speculation, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the squad for the Champions Trophy would be announced today.

Despite the criticism, Pakistan's national selector Asad Shafiq defended the selection, highlighting Faheem's experience and his role as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Shafiq emphasised that Faheem’s inclusion provides the team with an option for a fast-bowling all-rounder, which is crucial for the squad’s balance.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan with India playing its matches in Dubai.

West Indies hammered Pakistan by 120 runs in the second Test to post their first win in the nation after a gap of 34 years.