Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf to Be Kicked Out from Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Squad? PCB Chairman Drops Hint
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the selection committee is reconsidering the squad picked for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
This comes amid strong criticism over the inclusion of batter Khushdil Shah and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. However, Naqvi defended their selections, stating that both players were chosen with the right intentions.
His statement, however, contradicted captain Mohammad Rizwan, who recently asserted that no changes were needed in the 15-member squad.
Selectors Under Pressure
The selection of Khushdil and Faheem has not gone down well with many former players and analysts. Both players have not been part of the national team for a long time, raising questions about their place in the squad.
Faheem last played an ODI in September 2023 and has struggled in the format, with a batting average of just 10 and a bowling average of 47. Meanwhile, Khushdil has failed to make an impact in his 10 ODI appearances, failing to score even a single half-century. His last international match was back in August 2022.
Despite the backlash, Naqvi has distanced himself from the selection process, stating that he does not interfere in the selectors’ decisions. However, he also admitted that the committee is reviewing the squad and has time until February 12 to make any necessary changes.
Changes Still Possible
As per ICC rules, teams can modify their provisional squads until February 12. The PCB selectors have used this option in the past, most notably before the 2021 T20 World Cup when they made several last-minute changes to the announced squad.
With mounting criticism and the deadline approaching, it remains to be seen whether the selectors will stick with their choices or make adjustments before the tournament begins in Pakistan and the UAE.
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