Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah expressed surprise over his selection for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite his ordinary performances. Stating that he himself doesn't know how he managed to get into the team, the southpaw revealed that he fell out of favour with the selectors.

Khushdil, who scored 69 off 49 deliveries for Pakistan against New Zealand on Wednesday, saw his efforts go down in vain as the hosts lost their Champions Trophy opener to the Kiwis by 60 runs.

Since Khushdil made his ODI debut in November 2020 against Zimbabwe, the 30-year-old has played only 14 50-over games, but he has not played a T20I since October 2023.

The middle-order left-hand batter was disappointing with the bat and ball during the recently concluded tri-series in Pakistan, but he was in the Playing XI for the Champions Trophy opener, where he emerged as his side's highest scorer.

Expressing surprise over his inclusion, Khushdil said, "I myself didn't know how I got into the team because I have been out of favour with the selectors for two years now."

The left-arm spinner also said he doesn't get perturbed when the crowd taunts him with words like "Parchi" -- someone who is being favoured. The PCB selectors have faced a lot of criticism for picking Khushdil ahaed of Faheem Ashraf.

"I don't take it (criticism) to heart because you can't stop people from saying what they say. The only answer I can give is to do my best and play a role in helping our team win," he said.

Khushdil did not lose hope despite New Zealand setting a 321-run target in the CT opener. He and Naseem Shah were hopeful that anything could happen if they could take the match into the final over.

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