3 Out-of-Form Pakistan Players Who Could Be Excluded From Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad has sparked debates due to controversial selections and concerns over player form . With the squad review deadline on February 12, here are three players at risk of exclusion:
1. Naseem Shah: Struggling Pace Spearhead
Naseem Shah’s recent ODI stats highlight a worrying dip:
- Matches played: 7
- Wickets taken: 10
- Average: 36.80
- Economy: 6.18 [source: user data].
Once hailed as Pakistan’s future bowling star, Naseem has struggled with inconsistency and injuries. His poor performance in the recent ODI against New Zealand, where he leaked runs, raised questions about his readiness for high-pressure tournaments . Pakistan’s pace-heavy squad includes alternatives like Mohammad Hasnain, who might replace him to add more firepower .
2. Kamran Ghulam: Middle-Order Misfire
Kamran Ghulam’s ODI record is underwhelming:
- Matches: 11
- Runs: 210
- Average: 30
- 50s/100s: 1/1 [source: user data].
Despite being compared to Babar Azam early in his career, Kamran has failed to deliver. His technical flaws were exposed in the tri-series against New Zealand, where he struggled against disciplined bowling . With experienced batters like Abdullah Shafique (excluded earlier) waiting in the wings, Kamran’s spot is under threat .
3. Khushdil Shah: Questionable All-Rounder Pick
Khushdil’s comeback has been rocky:
- Overs bowled vs NZ: 9
- Runs conceded: 66
- Runs scored: 15 [source: user data].
Selected as a replacement for injured opener Saim Ayub, Khushdil’s inclusion baffled experts. His poor batting average (no half-centuries in 10 ODIs) and lackluster bowling make him a liability . Former players like Wasim Akram criticized this decision, urging selectors to prioritize in-form spinners or specialist batters .
Why These Changes Matter for Pakistan
Pakistan’s squad faces spin-depth issues and middle-order instability. Replacing underperformers with players like Shadab Khan (excluded spinner) or Abdullah Shafique could balance the team . The February 12 deadline gives PCB a narrow window to refine the squad before their title defense begins on February 19 .
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
