Pakistan remain the only team yet to announce their 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, but reports suggest an all-rounder will return and several back up options for injured Saim Ayub have been considered by the selectors for the tournament to be played from February 19.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is finalizing the squad for the upcoming home tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa as well as the subsequent ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for February next month in Pakistan and Dubai.

According to a report in Geo Super, all-rounder Khushdil Shah is likely to make his return to the national team after his recent performances in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025.

Shah, who has played 10 ODI matches for Pakistan, has scored 199 runs at an average of 33.16, and claimed two wickets in his brief stint. His last 50-over appearance for Pakistan came back in August 2022 against the Netherlands.

The report further added that Pakistan is concerned about Saim Ayub's fitness after the opener injured his ankle in the South Africa tour. With Ayub's injury in mind, Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, is also under consideration for the ODI squad, alongside Imam-ul-Haq, who is also set for long-awaited return to the national side.

Ayub's participation in the Champions Trophy has remained under the cloud due to a right ankle fracture. And although he is currently undergoing treatment in England and is expected to return to Pakistan in early February, the team management wants to be cautious with his return to action.

The report also added Abdullah Shafique is unlikey to be considered after his dip in form, prompting selectors to look at Masood, who last played in an ODI in May 2023. Apart from Masood, Khushdil and Imam, wicketkeeper Haseebullah Khan is also in the selectors' plans.

Meanwhile, new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan is expected to lead the team with Salman Ali Agha serving as his deputy, while Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan are also in the mix.

In terms of the bowling group, Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to return, joining the likes of Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf to form a strong pace attack. Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are also contenders for the final squad.

Pakistan, who open their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand, will host the Kiwis and South Africa in a tri-series before the ICC tournament, starting on February 8.

Although the cut of date for Champions Trophy squad selection is on February 11, Pakistan is likely to announce their squad even before that as they will play the tri-series a few days prior to the ICC deadline.