Pakistan has revealed its 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the upcoming Tri-Nation Series. The reserve players are yet to be announced. The squad closely resembles the team that secured victories against Australia and South Africa, with a few key changes.
- Five changes have been made from the previous squad.
- Saim Ayub is out due to injury.
- Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, and Tayyab Tahir have been included.
- Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdullah Shafique, Aamir Jamal, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Haseebullah are not part of the squad.
Selection Controversies and Questionable Decisions
Player selection for major tournaments often raises questions. The inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah is seen as controversial. Their performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) played a role in their selection, despite the league being regarded as one of the weaker competitions.
The decision to enter the Champions Trophy with just one mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed, is risky. Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha are expected to assist in spin, but their abilities in high-pressure matches remain untested.
The Spin Bowling Dilemma
Sufiyan Muqeem, who performed well against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, was left out. His exclusion seems unjust, considering his recent form. Other spinners like Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali also outperformed Abrar Ahmed in the Pakistan-West Indies Test series but were not selected.
Most teams bring at least two regular spinners for tournaments like the Champions Trophy, but Pakistan’s strategy is different. This could prove costly on pitches that assist spin bowling.
The Opening Pair Concern
Apart from Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan lacks a dedicated opener. Reports suggest that Babar Azam might open the innings. If he fails, Mohammad Rizwan will step up. However, Babar is best suited for the one-down position, which is where top batsmen play in modern cricket.
If both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are dismissed early, the middle order might struggle under pressure. The selectors should have included a specialist opener like Imam-ul-Haq to strengthen the top order.
Middle-Order Worries
The middle order lacks consistency. Players like Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah have been tried before but have not delivered match-winning performances. Their selection is seen as a gamble rather than a strategic move.
Additionally, Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel have the responsibility of stabilizing the innings. However, their ability to handle high-pressure situations remains untested.
Concerns Over Favoritism in Selection
The favoritism in selection is evident. Players like Shadab Khan and Usman Khan were given opportunities in the T20 World Cup, despite their lackluster performances. Similarly, Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah have been selected, while more deserving players like Irfan Khan Niazi and Jahandad Khan have been overlooked.
Cricketing nations prioritize team needs over personal preferences. Unfortunately, Pakistan continues to select players based on connections rather than merit.
The Role of All-Rounders
All-rounders are crucial in modern-day cricket. However, Pakistan’s choices seem questionable. Faheem Ashraf has not been a consistent performer. If he was to be included, he should have been tested against Australia and South Africa.
Similarly, Khushdil Shah is expected to contribute with both bat and ball. However, his selection is based on domestic league performances, which is not the best criterion for international tournaments.
The Absence of Abdullah Shafique
Abdullah Shafique was dropped due to his poor Test form. However, players like Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, and Salman Ali Agha also struggled in Tests but were retained.
Abdullah Shafique is a technically sound batsman who deserves more opportunities. Instead of dropping him, the selectors could have given him a chance on home pitches to regain confidence.
The Importance of a Proper Team Structure
Frequent changes in team combinations often lead to instability. The current squad lacks balance, which could affect performance in the Champions Trophy. A structured team should have been built gradually.
Pakistan will compete against New Zealand and South Africa in a Tri-Nation Series before the Champions Trophy. This will be the first real test of the team’s new combination and strategies.
Spin Options for Champions Trophy
Spin plays a vital role in ODIs. Pakistan should have included at least one more full-time spinner. A good spinner can control runs and take wickets when needed.
Other teams are bringing their best spin options. Pakistan, on the other hand, has placed undue reliance on part-time spinners. This strategy could prove problematic in crucial matches.
Final Thoughts on Squad Selection
Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 has both strengths and weaknesses. While there are some promising players, the overall selection process appears flawed. The team’s balance, lack of specialist openers, and spin bowling options raise serious concerns.
The selectors, coaches, and captain must reconsider their approach. The Champions Trophy is a major event, and only the best players should be part of the squad.
All fans pray for Pakistan’s success in the Champions Trophy 2025. Hopefully, the team will deliver strong performances despite the selection challenges.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
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