Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be revealed. (Source: Pakistan Cricket)
Pakistan, the official host of the Champions Trophy 2025, remains the only team to have not announced its squad. PCB's delay has raised many eyebrows, with fans and pundits speculating the reason even as India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have all revealed their provisional squads for the Champions Trophy.
While there has been no official word from the PCB, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed frustration with the board.
"Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai -- karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan scared to announce their squad? No, it isn't, just unsure what to do and what not)," said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel.
However, Ali also shared that it may have much to do with Saim Ayub's fitness update.
"The biggest issue is whether Saim Ayub can return fit or not. It's still not clear."
According to Ali, Pakistan's middle-order lacks the sheen, and that is why they want to shore up their top-order, and Saim Ayub is a must in that slot.
"I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan's problem is their middle-order because they have to face 140kmph fast bowlers, barring against India who have spin all-rounders," said Basit. Right now, Pakistan's No. 5, 6 and 7 appear dodgy. That's why I am in favour of Saud Shakeel. People are talking about Khushdil Shah. But do you want a T20 player in the Champions Trophy squad?"
"Tayyab Tahir, Saud and Kamran Ghulam haven't played ICC events. Similarly, the spinners Sufiyan (Muqeem) and Abrar (Ahmed) haven't played," said the former batter.
"That's why Shadab Khan is needed as a spin all-rounder at this time. If Saim is fit, then Saim and Fakhar Zaman are the best opening combinations. If Saim doesn't make it, then Shan Masood. Who's left after that? Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. So your batting will depend on these four and bowling will depend on pacers," he concluded.
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