Champions Trophy the focus as Pakistan provide Fakhar Zaman update
Pakistan's main focus is on the 2025 Champions Trophy and a recall for one of their most damaging batters might not be too far away.
Newly-appointed Pakistan white-ball coach Aqib Javed has vowed to keep his side's 50-over side as settled as possible in the lead-up to next year's ICC Champions Trophy.
Aqib was recently appointed as interim white-ball coach until the completion of the 2025 Champions Trophy event and the former Pakistan quick will use upcoming fixtures in Zimbabwe and South Africa to fine tune the side's preparation for next year's showcase event.
A new era for the Champions Trophy
Pakistan will travel to Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is later this month, before embarking on a six-match (three ODIs, three T20Is) white-ball tour of South Africa prior to Christmas that Aqib hopes will have his players primed for the Champions Trophy tournament that is scheduled to commence in February next year.
"Our main focus at the moment is on ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy," Aqib said.
"You'll see a settled team in this format. You'll see changes in the T20I format. We plan to give new players chances in the Zimbabwe series.
"It is a message and opportunity to the new players to take the chances they've been given. If you don't give new players chances, you'll never get the opportunity to improve your bench strength."
POTM Highlights of the 81 from 74 by Fakhar Zaman, which included seven towering sixes.
While Aqib wants to keep changes to Pakistan's 50-over side as minimal as possible the 52-year-old suggested star batter Fakhar Zaman would be in line for a recall once he has proven to the coaching staff that his fitness levels are up to standard.
Fakhar missed Pakistan's recent white-ball series in Australia, but Javed hopes to see the dashing left-hander back playing for his country as soon as possible.
"Fakhar is a match-winner, he has performed for Pakistan for many years. He was having some fitness problems,” Aqib noted.
“We are in communication with Fakhar. Whenever he gets fit, the selection committee will definitely consider him for selection and you’ll see him (back playing) in the future."