Kamran Akmal Replaces Sarfaraz in Pakistan Champions' WCL 2025 Squad

In an unexpected late change, the Pakistan Champions have named their complete squad for the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed with former keeper Kamran Akmal, and unveiling a few surprise additions.

The squad, revealed on the franchise's official social media channels just ahead of their season opener against England at Edgbaston, reflects some strategic shifts. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez will lead the side in his WCL debut, while middle-order batter Fawad Alam also earns a surprise call-up.

The final 14-member squad features:

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

Significantly, stalwarts Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, who featured in the inaugural edition, are missing from this year's lineup.

What It Signals

• Wicketkeeping change: With Sarfaraz out, Kamran Akmal brings experience behind the stumps and with the bat.
   
• Batting depth: Fawad Alam's inclusion adds solidity in the middle order, balancing the power game with control.
   
• Leadership boost: With Hafeez at the helm and strategic replacements, the squad looks recalibrated for English conditions.
   

Tournament Snapshot

The WCL 2025 kicks off with Pakistan vs England at Edgbaston on 18 July, followed by marquee fixtures including the classic India‑Pakistan clash in the round-robin stage.

This recalibrated squad will aim to go one step further after finishing runners-up last year.