The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is under fire for its squad selection ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticized the management for neglecting homegrown talent and making last-minute, unplanned changes.
- Ahmed Shehzad slams PCB for prioritizing T20 league imports over local players.
- The exclusion of Usama Mir and other young stars sparks controversy.
- Concerns over fitness levels of T20-converted ODI players.
- Babar Azam’s forced transition to opener questioned.
- Pakistan faces a crucial India vs Pakistan clash on February 23.
Poor Selection Strategy Hurts Pakistan’s Squad
Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticized PCB for abandoning young players previously groomed for the national team. He highlighted the inconsistent selection policies, which have led to wasted talent like Irfan Khan Niazi, Tayyab Tahir, and Faisal Akram.
The exclusion of leg-spinner Usama Mir has been a major talking point. Shehzad pointed out that players like Sufiyan Muqeem were suddenly thrown into high-pressure matches without proper planning, impacting their confidence and performance.
Shehzad accused the PCB of selecting players based on T20 league performances, ignoring the importance of specialist ODI players. He believes that importing players without ODI experience weakens the team’s core and stability.
“Good boards plan ahead. Pakistan, however, keeps making last-minute changes before big tournaments.”
A major concern is the fitness of players transitioning from T20 to ODIs. Shehzad questioned whether these players could handle the pressure of 50-over cricket.
“You’re bringing players from T20s into ODIs. Can they manage the workload and fitness demands?”
Without proper fitness management, Pakistan might struggle in long-format matches, especially against top teams like India and England.
Another controversial decision is forcing Babar Azam to open the innings. Shehzad believes this move could disrupt Pakistan’s batting lineup.
“Babar has carried Pakistan’s middle order for years. Forcing him to open is unfair.”
He emphasized how Babar’s consistency in ODIs makes him Pakistan’s key player. However, excessive pressure on him could negatively impact the team.
With poor planning, fitness issues, and questionable selection choices, Pakistan may face a tough challenge in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The biggest test awaits on February 23, when Pakistan faces arch-rivals India in one of the tournament’s most-anticipated matches.
- Lack of a settled squad due to last-minute changes.
- Over-reliance on T20 imports instead of ODI specialists.
- Fitness concerns for players shifting formats.
- Babar Azam’s role uncertainty impacting the batting lineup.
- Weak spin attack due to controversial selections.
Pakistan must quickly address these issues if they want to perform well in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team needs proper planning, fitness management, and a stable squad to compete at the highest level. All eyes will be on Babar Azam and the selection committee as the tournament approaches.
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