With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Pakistan's selectors are considering Test captain Shan Masood as a replacement for young opener Saim Ayub.

Saim is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against South Africa.

However, Shan's inclusion hinges on his performance in the ongoing Test against the West Indies. Imam-ul-Haq is also being discussed as an alternative option.

Report suggest that Abdullah Shafique's recent slump in form has prompted selectors to explore Shan Masood for the ODI format.

Shan could provide stability to Pakistan's batting lineup. He has scored 163 runs at an average of 18 in nine ODIs, with a solitary half-century and last played an ODI against New Zealand in 2023.

His extensive experience in one-day cricket, both in Pakistan and county cricket in England, adds to his credentials. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman's return to the squad appears certain, though Shadab Khan's inclusion is unlikely.

Selectors are also deliberating on the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah, alongside regulars such as Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir and Irfan Khan.

In the bowling department, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are strong contenders.

Saim remains in England under the supervision of the medical panel and is expected to return to Pakistan in early February. However, the team management is cautious about rushing his return to cricket.

Pakistan is set to announce its squad for the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand within a week. The same squad is likely to represent Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025, slated to take place next month.

All participating teams have submitted their preliminary squads to the ICC, with the final roster due by February 11.

The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand, will commence on February 8.

Meanwhile, the eight-team Champions Trophy tournament, consisting of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9 across three venues – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, as well as Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Strict security

The Punjab Police have launched comprehensive security preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in Pakistan next month.

Officials confirmed that 12,564 officers and personnel will be deployed to ensure safety during the high-profile matches scheduled in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

In Lahore, 7,618 officers will be on duty, while 4,535 personnel will manage security in Rawalpindi. Additionally, 411 officers from the Special Branch will enhance security operations.

Aerial monitoring will be conducted with support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers to strengthen surveillance.

Police officials emphasized that all participating players will receive state guest status, with their safety being a top priority.

Routes to the venues will be monitored via Safe City cameras, providing real-time surveillance to prevent any incidents.

Security arrangements are expected to be finalised in the coming days as authorities prepare for the prestigious event.