Wasim Akram Backs Pakistan’s Squad Amid Allegations of Favouritism After New Zealand Loss in Champions Trophy

Legendary former pacer Wasim Akram has strongly defended Pakistan’s squad, dismissing accusations of favouritism in team selection after their loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Speaking on a sports show alongside Cheteshwar Pujara and Nikhil Chopra, Akram affirmed that Pakistan’s current squad includes the country’s top players, refuting suggestions that selections were influenced by personal connections. “If I’m being honest, I’ll say this—these are our best players. If someone was better, they would’ve been selected. There’s no place for ‘parchi’ (favouritism) at this level,” Akram stated confidently.

Pakistan’s campaign has been dealt a blow with the injury of opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq has been called up to replace him for the remaining matches of the Champions Trophy.

Fakhar’s injury occurred while fielding against New Zealand when he fell awkwardly during the opening over. After a medical evaluation, it was confirmed that he would not be fit to continue, and the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approved Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion as a replacement.

Imam, who has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad, displayed good form recently with a stunning 98-run performance in a warm-up match against South Africa.

Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand ended in a 60-run defeat, with Pakistan chasing a target of 321. Despite a valiant effort from Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Babar Azam (64 off 90), Pakistan were bowled out for 260. New Zealand’s century makers, Will Young and Tom Latham, along with a rapid 61 from Glenn Phillips, powered their team to a commanding win.

Now, Pakistan’s hopes of defending their title rest on their upcoming match against arch-rivals India, with the team needing a victory to stay alive in the tournament.

Updated Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.