Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has criticized the delay in announcing the next squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on February 19. Basit Ali expressed his frustration with the Pakistani selectors, stating that the team management seemed unsure about their inclusion.
A multi-nation cricket tournament will be hosted in Pakistan. Pakistan are the only team yet to announce their squad despite being the hosts. Other participating teams, including India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, have revealed their provisional squads.
Just not sure what to do and what not to do – Basit Ali
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali wondered why Pakistan had not announced their squad yet, adding that the delay was due to uncertainty over the squad. Basit explained that the decision-making process was complicated by Saem Ayoub’s injury.
“What is wrong with Pakistan that it has not announced its squad yet? It has not done so yet. The community is still there – what does it do? (Is Pakistan afraid to announce its squad? No, it is not, just not sure) Al Basit said in a video clip on his channel On YouTube: “Do's and Don'ts.”
He added, “The biggest problem is whether Saim Ayoub can return to full fitness or not. The matter is still unclear.”
Pakistan's problem is their middle system – Basit Ali
The cricketer-turned-expert said that the middle order is a weak point in the team. He added that the inclusion of Sayem Ayoub is crucial to strengthening the supreme regime. Ali said that facing fast bowlers, especially those who bowl at 140 km/h, is a challenge for Pakistan, except against India.
“I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan's problem is their middle order because they have to face 140kph fast bowlers, apart from India who have spin bowlers all round,” Basit said.
“Right now, Pakistan's No. 5, 6 and 7 are looking elusive. That's why I'm backing Saud Shakeel. People are talking about Khushdil Shah. But do you want a T20 player in your Champions Trophy squad?”
Shadab Khan is needed as an all-rounder – Basit Ali
The former batsman asserted that players like Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam and spinners Sufyan Muqim and Abrar Ahmed lack experience in ICC events. He stressed that the batting will depend heavily on Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
“Tayeb Tahir, Saud and Kamran Ghulam did not play in the ICC competition. Likewise, spinners Sufyan (Muqim) and Abrar (Ahmed) did not play,” the former batsman said.
“That's why Shadab Khan is needed as an all-rounder at this time. If Saim is fit, then Saim and Fakhar Zaman are the best opening combinations. If Saim doesn't work out, then Shan Masood. Who's left after that? Babar Azam,” he concluded. And Mohamed Rizwan, so your batting will depend on these four and your bowling will depend on the fielders.”
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan, the defending champion, is looking forward to retaining its title with the return of the tournament for the first time since 2017.
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