Imam-ul-Haq speaks out after being excluded from Champions Trophy squad

ISLAMABAD: Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s left-handed opening batsman, has reacted to his exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad with a thoughtful and cryptic post on social media, sparking speculation among fans and analysts alike.

On his social media accounts, Imam shared his disappointment but also expressed his resilience, stating:

 “Not the outcome I expected, but the journey isn’t over. Life is all about growth, and every hurdle makes you stronger. Patience and trust in Allah are the keys!”

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A post shared by Imam Ul Haq (@imamulhaqofficial)

His comments came shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy and the upcoming tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa, in which Imam was notably absent despite impressive performances in domestic cricket.

Imam’s last ODI appearance was during the 2023 World Cup in India, after which he was dropped from the squad. His most recent international appearance was in December 2023 during a Test match against Australia in Melbourne, where he scored just 22 runs across two innings.

After his exclusion, Imam returned to domestic cricket and shone in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, representing Multan Region. His stellar performances earned him the captaincy of the Pakistan Shaheens team for their series against the West Indies, raising hopes for a national squad recall. However, despite his strong domestic form, selectors opted to exclude him once again.

The omission has raised eyebrows, with selectors favoring Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan for the top order alongside Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

As for the Champions Trophy squad, Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace attack, joined by Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. The sole specialist spinner in the squad is Abrar Ahmed, while Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah will provide additional spin options.

This squad will also participate in a tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa as part of their preparation for the Champions Trophy. The tournament is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. The highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.