What's new

[PICTURE/VIDEO] ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan announce 15-member squad

Are you satisfied with the selection of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad for Pakistan?

  • Total voters
    50
The Bald Eagle said:
Mind boggling, cumulative number of ODI matches played by CT squad of following teams:

Pakistan 532
India 1446
Australia 1148

*Kohli and Sharma alone has played more matches than entire Pakistan squad (560)

View attachment 150301
Click to expand...
This is less of an issue. Pakistan's 2017 CT squad was also young mostly. They beat the oldies of India in the Final.

The issue is the parchi selection. The killing of merit once again.
 
I hate when time and tested failure are brought back for no particular reason rather than giving chances to some new ones.

There are 3 bad selections , here are in ranking

1-The worst one : Usman Khan , club level cricketer, now playing for Pakistan.

2-2nd worst : Faheem Ashraf : has been getting a free ride since 2016, fails again and again , thought we finally git rid of this useless cricketer, not to be .

3-Khushdil Shah is has failed again and again , now for showing some good performance in lowly rated BPL, he should not be playing for Pakistan again.
 
Positives: Selection of Fakhar & Saud (Much needed)

Negatives: Selection of tried & tested failures like Khushdil & Faheem.

Abdullah Shafiq is unfairly dropped after one bad series against SA. Selectors should have trusted him specially since CT is in home conditions. If not Abdullah, either Shan or Imam should have been selected as proper opener. ODI cricket still need those batters who can play 15-20 overs comfortably and score run a ball 60-70 runs consistently. In current squad there are 3-4 players who can't survive at wicket for more than 4-5 overs
 
A one paced batting line up apart from fakhar

Recycling rubbish like faheem and khusdil

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️
 
What is the mistake of Wasim Jnr?? He bowled quite well when he got to play few games in 2023 WC but he never got consistent chances like Haris, Shaheen & Naseem. Seriously, it seems he doesn't have connections in PCB. This is a pathetic squad, at least 5 players in this team are totally useless.
 
Faheem and Kushdil are fine, would be surprised if both aren’t put in the Xi

Saud at 3, Salman, Kushdil and Faheem at 6,7,8.

vs India we may just go with 4 pacers, ILT20 pacers are doing well in Dubai.

Salman and Kushdil will be enough in the India game plus batting goes to 9-10 with Shaheen and Naseem.

Vs Bangladesh play Kushdil and Abrar.
Rest one of Naseem or Shaheen.. have them full tilt for Sunday!

I would take a punt with Usman at 3 vs India and not play all accumulators vs India. So Drop Saud! If doesn’t score a 100 by then….

Babar
Fakhar
Usman/Saud
Rizwan

Kamran
Salman
Kushdil
Faheem

+3 pacers

Vs NZ may be drop Faheem and have Abrar again.

This is what looks likely XI since selectors are supposed to select on Match day.

Knowing how many chiefs we have they definitely will love to stir a thoroughly !
 
zaidihusain said:
What is the mistake of Wasim Jnr?? He bowled quite well when he got to play few games in 2023 WC but he never got consistent chances like Haris, Shaheen & Naseem. Seriously, it seems he doesn't have connections in PCB. This is a pathetic squad, at least 5 players in this team are totally useless.
Click to expand...
Justice for Wasim jnr please. He was our best bowler in 23 WC
 
Khushdil is a like for like replacement for Saim (batting all rounder). Can't think of anyone else besides Iftikhar for this role who is past his best and is also an off spinner like Agha.

I am not sure what the thinking is to have a fast bowling all-rounder like Faheem in the squad. Even before Faheem's name popped up, the reports were that Jamal was being selected. I just don't understand how a fast bowling all-rounder can fit in our current team combination batting at 8.
 
Selecting Khushdil and Faheem on the basis of a worthless T20 league plagued with spot-fixing allegations is incredibly stupid. Reeks of corruption to be honest.

Saud’s selection is also not great, has he opened at domestic level in ODI cricket?

The batting is one-paced besides Fakhar.

Only one spinner for subcontinent conditions, where’s the logic?

Irfan Niazi, Sufyan Muqeem and Aamer Jamal will feel hard done by.

Less said about Usman’s selection the better, he’s not international quality.
 
Usman Chadda said:
Selecting Khushdil and Faheem on the basis of a worthless T20 league plagued with spot-fixing allegations is incredibly stupid. Reeks of corruption to be honest.

Saud’s selection is also not great, has he opened at domestic level in ODI cricket?

The batting is one-paced besides Fakhar.

Only one spinner for subcontinent conditions, where’s the logic?

Irfan Niazi, Sufyan Muqeem and Aamer Jamal will feel hard done by.

Less said about Usman’s selection the better, he’s not international quality.
Click to expand...
Team selection in Pakistan cricket is clearly a scam. Kushdil doesn't deserve a place in this team. In place of Saim they should have selected like for like replacement, someone who is a proper opener and can stay at wicket for 10-15 overs, either Abdullah, Shan or Imam. Trying Babar or anyone else as makeshift opener in such a big tournament is a big risk. Saud shouldn't have been dropped from Aus & SA ODI series, dropping him from big series and then recalling him just for big tournament is absolute injustice
 
Fahim can only perform at domestic level. Not an international cricketer especially in LOIs.
Amir Jamal would have been a better inclusion.
Khushdil, I am not sure if he's going to come in handy with an already limited Agha in the lower middle order.
Hasnain - a mentally weak and timid bowler. M wasim or Dhani would have been better.
Needed another spinner in case Abrar fails to perform. Sufian would have been a good choice.
 
BunnyRabbit said:
Fahim can only perform at domestic level. Not an international cricketer especially in LOIs.
Amir Jamal would have been a better inclusion.
Khushdil, I am not sure if he's going to come in handy with an already limited Agha in the lower middle order.
Hasnain - a mentally weak and timid bowler. M wasim or Dhani would have been better.
Needed another spinner in case Abrar fails to perform. Sufian would have been a good choice.
Click to expand...
Wasim jnr, Jahandad, Aamer Jamal, Niazi, Abbas Afridi. All 5 of them would have made more sense than Parchi Faheem Ashraf
 
zaidihusain said:
What is the mistake of Wasim Jnr?? He bowled quite well when he got to play few games in 2023 WC but he never got consistent chances like Haris, Shaheen & Naseem. Seriously, it seems he doesn't have connections in PCB. This is a pathetic squad, at least 5 players in this team are totally useless.
Click to expand...
Absolutely! Why wasn't he considered for the CT team? I believe he should be in the playing eleven, not just in the squad if he is actively playing.
 
Saud was also a surprise selection but not sure what Faheem is doing in the squad and how he got there. Looks like Rana g's connections are strong...
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
7 will be Khushdil or Faheem.

Ghulam needs to bat at 6 because he is capable of accelerating at the end.
Click to expand...
Two bad takes. One Babar not being opener and second this. Why shouldnt Ghulam play in his preffered position? Why do you want to turn a technically capable batsman into a slogger?
 
Faheem’s selection is an utter travesty. This paindu fake all rounder always sneaks in world tournies.

And what made it worse is the inclusion of the OG parchi khushdil shah who cannot bowl or bat just like Ashraf.

Disappointed with these two selections.

Niazi didnt do much wrong to get dropped, and Faheem’s selection is completely brainless. Hes not even half the player that Jamal is.
 
Slim said:
Two bad takes. One Babar not being opener and second this. Why shouldnt Ghulam play in his preffered position? Why do you want to turn a technically capable batsman into a slogger?
Click to expand...
Yeah, the guy who averages nearly 57 in ODI cricket should move out of his preferred position to make room for a guy who recently smashed 63 off 32 coming in at No.6.

Do you even watch cricket?
 
Slim said:
Faheem’s selection is an utter travesty. This paindu fake all rounder always sneaks in world tournies.

And what made it worse is the inclusion of the OG parchi khushdil shah who cannot bowl or bat just like Ashraf.

Disappointed with these two selections.

Niazi didnt do much wrong to get dropped, and Faheem’s selection is completely brainless. Hes not even half the player that Jamal is.
Click to expand...
If Jamal gets as many chances as Faheem did. Jamal would actually turn out to be a decent All Rounder. Unlike the fake Rana
 
heddie19 said:
Wasim jnr, Jahandad, Aamer Jamal, Niazi, Abbas Afridi. All 5 of them would have made more sense than Parchi Faheem Ashraf
Click to expand...
Not sold on Jahandad yet. He seems like a good year or two away from looking like an international cricketer.
Abbas Afridi is good for t20is but not sure ODIs would be his forte. But he has showed good slogging ability.
Niazi - no. The guy looks like a walking wicket. He's like Afridi without the ability to produce blinder cameos and can't bowl.
 
zaidihusain said:
Team selection in Pakistan cricket is clearly a scam. Kushdil doesn't deserve a place in this team. In place of Saim they should have selected like for like replacement, someone who is a proper opener and can stay at wicket for 10-15 overs, either Abdullah, Shan or Imam. Trying Babar or anyone else as makeshift opener in such a big tournament is a big risk. Saud shouldn't have been dropped from Aus & SA ODI series, dropping him from big series and then recalling him just for big tournament is absolute injustice
Click to expand...
I know Shadab is hated alot these days and rightly so but he's the only one with the ability to hit out from ball 1.
If only he was serious about his international career (especially bowling). His work ethic has taken a big dig.
 
Faheem and khushdil are pure garbage. I'm just glad Imam isn't back so the squad is still decent.

Fakhar
Babar
Saud
KG
agha
Rizwan
Tahir
SSA
Naseem
Rauf
Abrar

This XI has minimum deadwood and all players are decent to good. Just avoid Khushdil and Faheem.

I don't mind if they try Usman at Tahir's place for that hitter role for few games.
 
If you want to make this squad work, make babar open. I'd be baffled if they don't.

There is an opener for whom I hundred percent advocate for in Odis (and no one else does) and his name is Haseebullah khan. Much better option than Imam and Abdullah in odis and can play long term for Pakistan imo.
 
Babar's average as an opener - 13.00 (2 innings)

Babar's average at #3 - 60.17 (104 innings)

Not too much data on Babar as an ODI opener. Also not sure how he's done in List-A cricket at the spot. Seems crazy to move a guy with such an incredible average off of his preferred spot.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Yeah that should be flexible imo. Without Saim, PAK need Khushdil's bowling as well. That's why I think he should play at #7
Click to expand...
Yes, he is more than handy with the ball. And brings something different with his left-arm spin. Whatever he does with the bat can't be worse than Faheem.

On a side-note, what do you think of this playing XI compared to the rest of the teams? with Saim out of the picture.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
Yes, he is more than handy with the ball. And brings something different with his left-arm spin. Whatever he does with the bat can't be worse than Faheem.

On a side-note, what do you think of this playing XI compared to the rest of the teams? with Saim out of the picture.
Click to expand...
Uff. It's tough , man. With Saim, Pakistan looked very strong.

It feels like that Naseem Shah 2023 World Cup scenario all over again. Take one player out and suddenly no one is sure what to expect.

Saud Shakeel is a huge downgrade in white ball cricket. And PAK better hope that Fakhar returns to his best. Too many ifs and buts.

Good news for PAK is that all of India, England, SA and OZ have been even poorer in terms of selection and prep and have injury concerns as well

Only NZ look exceptionally well prepared and are likely to nail their squad by the 12th with Duffy likely to come in.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Uff. It's tough , man. With Saim, Pakistan looked very strong.

It feels like that Naseem Shah 2023 World Cup scenario all over again. Take one player out and suddenly no one is sure what to expect.

Saud Shakeel is a huge downgrade in white ball cricket. And PAK better hope that Fakhar returns to his best. Too many ifs and buts.

Good news for PAK is that all of India, England, SA and OZ have been even poorer in terms of selection and prep and have injury concerns as well

Only NZ look exceptionally well prepared and are likely to nail their squad by the 12th with Duffy likely to come in.
Click to expand...
Yup, I had the same feeling. Haven't been able to stop thinking about what a big loss Saim is. It's kinda amazing how much of a difference just one player can make to a team sometimes.

Pakistan's opening match is even more important than the India match imo. They win it and they likely have one foot in the semi-final. New Zealand are a very well-balanced side that as always, aren't getting any attention over the other teams.
 
kingusama92 said:
Babar's average as an opener - 13.00 (2 innings)

Babar's average at #3 - 60.17 (104 innings)

Not too much data on Babar as an ODI opener. Also not sure how he's done in List-A cricket at the spot. Seems crazy to move a guy with such an incredible average off of his preferred spot.
Click to expand...
It's hardly a crazy change. His game is perfectly suited for opening in odis.

He has a lifetime of experience opening in t20s and he plays t20s like odis anyway. There's not much difference in opening between the two formats except Odis give you a bit more time.

In odis, most of the heavy run scorers play as opener. Sharma Tendulkar Amla etc.
 
Marooned said:
It's hardly a crazy change. His game is perfectly suited for opening in odis.

He has a lifetime of experience opening in t20s and he plays t20s like odis anyway. There's not much difference in opening between the two formats except Odis give you a bit more time.

In odis, most of the heavy run scorers play as opener. Sharma Tendulkar Amla etc.
Click to expand...
If he scores anything less than what he has been at no. 3 thus far in ODIs for Pakistan then it'll be a big blow.

All because Babar was shifted as an opener.
 
RidiculousMan said:
If he scores anything less than what he has been at no. 3 thus far in ODIs for Pakistan then it'll be a big blow.

All because Babar was shifted as an opener.
Click to expand...
I don't see it as a big risk change based on his play style and based on what the the position demands.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Uff. It's tough , man. With Saim, Pakistan looked very strong.

It feels like that Naseem Shah 2023 World Cup scenario all over again. Take one player out and suddenly no one is sure what to expect.

Saud Shakeel is a huge downgrade in white ball cricket. And PAK better hope that Fakhar returns to his best. Too many ifs and buts.

Good news for PAK is that all of India, England, SA and OZ have been even poorer in terms of selection and prep and have injury concerns as well

Only NZ look exceptionally well prepared and are likely to nail their squad by the 12th with Duffy likely to come in.
Click to expand...
Those other teams have two or three players who even if the team is underperforming can just grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win matches singlehandedly.

Pakistan don't have that. Maybe only Fakhar but he's very hit and miss.
 
Marooned said:
It really isn't.

Not sure what's the basis this dramatic statement.
Click to expand...
Basis is the fact that Babar's average at no. 3 is 60. ODI is his best format. He has never been out of form in it and has been the backbone for Pakistan Cricket for 5 years now.

You're going to try to make him an opener just because you didn't picked one in the squad?

Who else will average 60 at no. 3 instead of Babar?
 
DeadlyVenom said:
Those other teams have two or three players who even if the team is underperforming can just grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win matches singlehandedly.

Pakistan don't have that. Maybe only Fakhar but he's very hit and miss.
Click to expand...

Usually only 1 player - Head for Australia , Klassen for SA, Rohit until recently for India(not sure now)

A Fakhar in decent form and a fit Saim would have made PAK the best ODI batting lineup going around imo.
 
Babar should not open, he is vulnerable against in swing deliveries early on, he plays outswing very well and has a good idea of his off stump.

I can see Arshdeep, Mustafizur and Taskin moving the ball and troubling him early on.

Saud should open with Fakhar, actually Masood would have been a better choice here.
 
From what I have seen of Khushdil, he is a limited batsman who might hit a couple of sixes against poor bowling, he isn't capable of building the innings or arresting a collapse.
 
One thing Pakistan should be confident about is their bowling. They have a good bowling attack with Shaheen, Naseem, Haris as the pace unit, and Abrar, Agha, Khushdil as the spin options. There is good variety in this bowling attack. Every bowler offers something different.
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
From what I have seen of Khushdil, he is a limited batsman who might hit a couple of sixes against poor bowling, he isn't capable of building the innings or arresting a collapse.
Click to expand...
He will be batting at no. 7 anyways. If you need someone at 7 to prevent a collapse then you don't deserve to win.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
One thing Pakistan should be confident about is their bowling. They have a good bowling attack with Shaheen, Naseem, Haris as the pace unit, and Abrar, Agha, Khushdil as the spin options. There is good variety in this bowling attack. Every bowler offers something different.
Click to expand...
I used to believe that but TBH they flatter to deceive, if the pitches are flat I dont see Haris as a big factor, Naseem again isn't effective on flat pitches, Shaheen's early spell is going to determine pakistan's success in this tournament.

The problem with Haris is that he doesn't move the ball, Naseem moves the ball but is too short to get any carry.
 
People giving flack to Khushdil need to consider with the loss of Saim Ayub Pakistan lost a batsman, an aggressive hitter and bowler. In Pakistan cricket these roles can't be easily filled and Khushdil is the only player who somewhat ticks these boxes.

Our recent strategy has been 4 bowlers plus part timers and Khushdil has been bowling well recently. Saims loss is so big that two players basically cover him : Fakhar and Khushdil
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
I used to believe that but TBH they flatter to deceive, if the pitches are flat I dont see Haris as a big factor, Naseem again isn't effective on flat pitches, Shaheen's early spell is going to determine pakistan's success in this tournament.

The problem with Haris is that he doesn't move the ball, Naseem moves the ball but is too short to get any carry.
Click to expand...
The nature of flat pitches also varies country to country. Pakistani pitches in ODI are not as flat as Indian pitches, and also don't offer as much assistance to spinners. Also think with ICC preparing the pitches, they will not be as flat as they generally are in bilateral ODIs.

The bowling is more about them as a unit, rather than anyone specifically though Shaheen is undoubtedly the key bowler. As for Haris Rauf, he is in good form currently and has a decent record in Pakistan.
 
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal, while speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed concerns over Pakistan’s recently announced squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

"If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are going to open, then what about the players who have been performing well in domestic cricket?"

"We need to give proper chances to those players who deserve a place in the team."

"It’s unfair to pick players who haven’t been consistent, and we need to give opportunities to those who have performed in domestic cricket."

"I hope the team performs well, but the selectors need to make the right decisions to ensure the best combination for Pakistan."
 
Where is Mohamamd Abbas??? Jahandad khan??

these guys should have been preferred over Faheem... Connections means everything in PCB I think.
 
Sohaib Maqsood, while speaking on his YouTube channel, criticized the selection criteria of Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

"Pakistan's squad announcement for the Champions Trophy left me confused. I had almost forgotten that Pakistan was even playing in it. Other teams have already settled their lineups, but Pakistan has been busy with stadium preparations and briefing the ICC, forgetting to announce their squad earlier. This squad is a bigger mystery than Abrar Ahmed being in the Pakistani team."

"Up until now, I have backed the decisions made by the PCB and its management because I believed they were heading in the right direction. However, this squad selection raises more questions than answers. I spent almost half an hour trying to figure it out, but I couldn't understand who will open the batting, who will play at number 3, and how the bowling combination will work. Will we play with three fast bowlers or include Faheem Ashraf?"

"In ICC events, the teams that dominate are the ones whose top three batters are either stable, in form, or solid performers. If we look back at Pakistan's recent successes, even though we haven't won much in white-ball cricket, our top three players, like Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam, have contributed significantly. Similarly, in other top teams, players like Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli have been dominant. But with this squad, it seems we've compromised our top order."

"We should have used tours like those to Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Australia as preparation for the Champions Trophy, but here we are, shifting focus from long-term goals to short-term wins. This approach is damaging, and our top three is now uncertain, which could cause major issues."

"Fakhar Zaman’s spot is in question, with rumors suggesting Babar Azam might open the batting. But in my opinion, Babar should not open. He’s a top-order batter, and forcing him to open would be a big mistake. The mindset for an opener is completely different from that of a number three batter. Even though we have some backup players like Usman Khan, the lack of clarity is concerning."

"Mohammad Rizwan should have adjusted his batting position months ago. If he had moved to number 4 or 5, we could have better prepared players like Saud Shakeel for the 50-over format. But now, with this unclear squad, we still don’t know who will open with Fakhar Zaman. There are too many combinations, and the planning is unclear."

"You cannot have this level of uncertainty in your lineup just weeks before an ICC event. Every other top team knows their strategy months ahead of time, but we are still scrambling. It’s crucial to have a clear plan for your top three, and I’m afraid this squad will only lead to more confusion."
 
BouncerGuy said:
Where is Mohamamd Abbas??? Jahandad khan??

these guys should have been preferred over Faheem... Connections means everything in PCB I think.
Click to expand...

Jahandad Khan was getting smashed by no name Zimbabwe batters even in T20 cricket. :facepalm

Yet to make ODI debut.

Abbas last played ODI cricket 6 years ago and averaged 153 with the ball even back then

Very costly omissions.
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
I used to believe that but TBH they flatter to deceive, if the pitches are flat I dont see Haris as a big factor, Naseem again isn't effective on flat pitches, Shaheen's early spell is going to determine pakistan's success in this tournament.

The problem with Haris is that he doesn't move the ball, Naseem moves the ball but is too short to get any carry.
Click to expand...
You hate me non stop for talking about Pakistani cricket despite being in Australia yet here you are doing deep dives? Hypocrite much? Then again not a surprise from someone who claimed inglis hit a 50 ball 100 in test cricket 🤣
 
DeadlyVenom said:
People giving flack to Khushdil need to consider with the loss of Saim Ayub Pakistan lost a batsman, an aggressive hitter and bowler. In Pakistan cricket these roles can't be easily filled and Khushdil is the only player who somewhat ticks these boxes.

Our recent strategy has been 4 bowlers plus part timers and Khushdil has been bowling well recently. Saims loss is so big that two players basically cover him : Fakhar and Khushdil
Click to expand...
Khushdil is a leg side hack! International teams know his "only game"
 
jeeteshssaxena said:
Naseem again isn't effective on flat pitches.
Click to expand...
Naseem has done exceptionally well on flat surfaces. Infact he looked Pakistan's best bowler on flat wicket. Check his home series vs NZ.
The issue with Naseem though is he is way off from the level he was before injury.
 
Looks like Pakistan wants batting depth. Possible reason for Faheem Ashra inclusion. Surprising he has a batting average of 46.30 and bowling avge of 10.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Devadwal
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India announce a 15-member squad
2
Replies
123
Views
2K
Sanzcool
S
FearlessRoar
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa announce a 15-member squad
Replies
17
Views
301
RedwoodOriginal
RedwoodOriginal
The Bald Eagle
Predict India's 15-member squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
2
Replies
133
Views
4K
Vikram1989
V
FearlessRoar
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan name their 15-member squad
Replies
16
Views
350
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
The Bald Eagle
[PICTURE/VIDEOS] ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand squad announced
Replies
34
Views
510
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle
Back
Top