Pakistan take shocking gamble, name injured star for Champions Trophy
Pakistan and India remain the only teams yet to name their Champions Trophy squad, despite January being set as the deadline date by the ICC to submit the provisional squad. However, it has been reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors are all set to take a huge gamble by naming injured Saim Ayub for the tournament.
Pakistan celebrates a wicket during the third ODI cricket match between Zimbabwe and Pakistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024(AP)
Pakistan celebrates a wicket during the third ODI cricket match between Zimbabwe and Pakistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024(AP)
According to a report in the PTI, while PCB is yet to officially announce their 15-member squad, which will likely comprise premier stars such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Nasim Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, an insider said that the selectors have named opener Saim, who is recuperating from a right ankle injury.
The selection committee believe that even if the youngster doesn't recover in time to play the ICC showpiece he can be replaced by another player. Notably, ICC will allow all teams to make changes to their provisional squad until February 13.