Sarfaraz Ahmed Dropped from WCL 2025 Squad – Kamran Akmal Steps In

In a shocking last-minute decision, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been removed from the Pakistan Champions squad for the upcoming 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL). His replacement is none other than veteran wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who has now officially joined the 15-member team.

The announcement came just hours before Pakistan Champions were set to play their opening match against England Champions, creating a buzz in cricketing circles across the country. The team’s owner, Kamil Khan, revealed the final lineup shortly before the match began. To everyone’s surprise, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s name was missing from the final list.

Sarfaraz Was a Key Figure in Promotions

Earlier this year, Sarfaraz was proudly introduced as part of the squad. He was featured in several promotional videos and posters, where he was described as a player who would bring his “winning mentality” to the side. One promotional video released in January even celebrated him with the caption:
“CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND!”

The franchise seemed confident in Sarfaraz’s leadership and experience. Many fans were excited to see him back in action, especially after his contributions to Pakistan’s cricket history. But on the day of the match, his name was nowhere to be found on the official squad list, leaving fans confused and disappointed.

No Official Reason, But Insider Reports Hint at Strategy Shift

So far, no official statement has been made regarding why Sarfaraz Ahmed was dropped. However, sources close to the team suggest that the decision was based on strategic planning and team balance. They say that Kamran Akmal was picked due to his recent performances in legends cricket, which may have given him the edge.

Kamran Akmal, known for his aggressive batting and years of experience behind the stumps, is also a familiar face for Pakistani cricket fans. Although he is past his prime, his recent outings in legends tournaments have been decent enough to earn him a spot.

Full Pakistan Champions Squad for WCL 2025

• Mohammad Hafeez (Captain)
• Shahid Afridi
• Shoaib Malik
• Kamran Akmal
• Sharjeel Khan
• Fawad Alam
• Imad Wasim
• Wahab Riaz
• Sohail Tanvir
• Asif Ali
• Sohaib Maqsood
• Umar Amin
• Rumman Raees
• Amir Yamin
• Sohail Khan

This squad brings together a mix of seasoned international stars and aggressive middle-order players. With leaders like Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Malik, the team aims to go deep into the tournament.

Opening Match Recap: Kamran’s Quiet Start, But Pakistan Wins

In the first match against England Champions, Kamran Akmal did not perform well with the bat and failed to score significant runs. However, despite his quiet start, Pakistan Champions managed to win the game by five runs, giving them a good start to their WCL 2025 campaign.

Their next match is scheduled for tomorrow against India Champions, one of the tournament’s strongest teams. The absence of Sarfaraz Ahmed will be felt by many fans, but the team hopes to continue its winning momentum.

READ MORE: Pakistan Start WCL 2025 with Thrilling Win Over England Champions