(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Sarfaraz Ahmed Replaced by Kamran Akmal in Last-Minute WCL 2025 Squad Update
In a surprising development just ahead of the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL), former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced in the Pakistan Champions squad. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has been named as his replacement for the highly anticipated tournament.
📢 Final Squad Announced Before Opening Match
The final 15-member squad was confirmed by team owner Kamil Khan only hours before Pakistan Champions’ opening match against England Champions. The omission of Sarfaraz Ahmed from the updated list came as a surprise, especially after his prominent role in the team’s promotional campaign earlier this year.
Sarfaraz was previously introduced as a marquee player for the team’s second WCL season, with a promotional video in January describing him as “CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND!” Expectations were high for his return, but his name was absent from the match-day squad announcement.
⚖️ Team Strategy Behind the Change?
While an official statement regarding the change has not been issued, sources close to the team suggest that the decision was based on team balance and recent form. Kamran Akmal, known for his experience and consistent performances in legends cricket, was considered a strategic fit for the squad’s needs.
🏏 Updated Pakistan Champions Squad for WCL 2025:
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Mohammad Hafeez (captain)
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Shahid Afridi
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Shoaib Malik
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Kamran Akmal
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Sharjeel Khan
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Fawad Alam
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Imad Wasim
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Wahab Riaz
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Sohail Tanvir
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Asif Ali
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Sohaib Maqsood
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Umar Amin
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Rumman Raees
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Amir Yamin
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Sohail Khan
Despite a modest contribution from Kamran Akmal in the first match, Pakistan Champions secured a narrow five-run win over England. The team is set to face India in their next fixture, with attention now turning to how the squad will adapt without Sarfaraz Ahmed.
📍 Looking Forward
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Pakistan Champions perform with their revised lineup. The WCL continues to provide a platform for cricket legends to showcase their talent in a competitive yet nostalgic setting.
