Which players should be part of Pakistan's 15-member squad in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

[khyberlion]

Sir, share your squad. Curious to know who you will have in the 11 and squad.

Saim (if fit)
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Kamran
Rizwan
Salman
Shaheen
Naseem
Haris
Abrar

 

[shamaan]

I'm saying I believe this is what pcb will choose. Not that this is what I'll choose

fair enough bro.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Bring back Imam... we need someone reliable up the order.

Fear god, brother. Fear god.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Since Saim is out, I would bring Saud Shakeel in at 4 and Rizwan pushed up as an opener.

Mohammad Rizwan
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Saud Shakeel
Kamran Ghulam
Tayyab Tahir
Salman Agha
Naseem Shah
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed

Salman and KG bowl 5 overs each.

 

[emranabbas]

Most teams are now aware of the impact left-arm spinners have against Pakistan. It's better to drop players who struggle against them.

 

[Farabi]

Saim (if fit)
Fakhar
Babar
Saud
Kamran
Rizwan
Salman
Shaheen
Naseem
Haris
Abrar

This is also my exact all.
Do you think Pakistan can utilize 1 more spinner in place of Rauf on spinning pitches. Who would it be

 

[khyberlion]

This is also my exact all.
Do you think Pakistan can utilize 1 more spinner in place of Rauf on spinning pitches. Who would it be

I am not sure tbh. I would personally like someone who can bat at 8. Arafat Minhas would have been my pick but he hasn't even made his debut yet. Sajid and noman won't work in odis. Either one of Nawaz and shadab would have been perfect too if they weren't so rubbish with the ball. In long term we do need someone who can bat a bit at 8 because our tailenders are quite rubbish don't be fooled by their stats.

Sufiyan and Faisal Akram are not the answer either as both no 11's with the bat and pretty poor with the bowl too.

I want Saim to continue improving his bowling as he can be a genuine all rounder in limited overs. That will allow us a much better balance to the team. At the moment I am not liking the long tail.

 

[Farabi]

I am not sure tbh. I would personally like someone who can bat at 8. Arafat Minhas would have been my pick but he hasn't even made his debut yet. Sajid and noman won't work in odis. Either one of Nawaz and shadab would have been perfect too if they weren't so rubbish with the ball. In long term we do need someone who can bat a bit at 8 because our tailenders are quite rubbish don't be fooled by their stats.

Sufiyan and Faisal Akram are not the answer either as both no 11's with the bat and pretty poor with the bowl too.

I want Saim to continue improving his bowling as he can be a genuine all rounder in limited overs. That will allow us a much better balance to the team. At the moment I am not liking the long tail.

I agree with your assessment.

Only 1 piece I am not clear on. Why do you think Sajid Khan won’t work? I get he won’t be a wicket taking option. But do you think Sajid Khan can at least offer control and if he has batting for no8.

 

[khyberlion]

I agree with your assessment.

Only 1 piece I am not clear on. Why do you think Sajid Khan won’t work? I get he won’t be a wicket taking option. But do you think Sajid Khan can at least offer control and if he has batting for no8.

Sajid won't work because he won't get these pitches. He doesn't get picked for his domestic side for limited overs. Salman is already an off spinner and will outbowl him more often than not in limited overs.

 

[Farabi]

Sajid won't work because he won't get these pitches. He doesn't get picked for his domestic side for limited overs. Salman is already an off spinner and will outbowl him more often than not in limited overs.

What about Nomi cacha?

For context, I agree we don’t really have any other options. They seem to be considering Sufiyan M, who doesn’t look like a finished product.
I get that Sajid/Nomi are not long term options for white ball, and we should maybe start developing Qasim A/Arafat M, but for ICC cup in 1 month, if Abrar is unfit/out of form, who can be trusted to step in. That’s the question really

 

[Devadwal]

Select Noman ali and Sajid don and prepared the rank Turner pitches using industrial fan,Job done.

 

[hassan918]

Select Noman ali and Sajid don and prepared the rank Turner pitches using industrial fan,Job done.

Rank turner pitches wouldn't work in ODI cricket and Champions Trophy is an ICC event and they won't allow/want to have low scoring bowler friendly pitches.

 

[gazza619]

Think it's mostly a set roster. My squad:

1. Fakhar
2. Saim
3. Babar
4. Rizwan
5. Kamran
6. Agha
7. Irfan
8. Shaheen
9. Naseem
10. Rauf
11. Abrar

12. Haris (backup keeper/opener or lower order for Irfan)
13. Sufiyan
14. Hasnain
15. Jamal/Abbas

For the bench, I would prefer going with more bowling options than batting options because they already have 7 batsmen in the playing XI. If Pakistan wanted to deepen their bowling, they could chose to go with Abbas or Jamal (one all-round pacer) in place for Irfan. Generally spinners haven't done too well in Pakistan in ODI's so there could be a case to go with one spinner in the squad (Abrar) but they also have matches in UAE so you probably want a backup spinner in the squad.

Personally, I don't want players like Tayyab in the squad who don't have power and need to bat in the top 5 to be useful. Usman just isn't a real player vs pace and at least Haris has shown glimpses of doing well in international cricket.

Your back up batter (M Haris) is not even a proper batter. Neither is Irfan.

I would rather pick a solid Saud Shakeel.

The rest of the squad picks itself

 

[gazza619]

Since Saim is out, I would bring Saud Shakeel in at 4 and Rizwan pushed up as an opener.

Mohammad Rizwan
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Saud Shakeel
Kamran Ghulam
Tayyab Tahir
Salman Agha
Naseem Shah
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf
Abrar Ahmed

Salman and KG bowl 5 overs each.

If Saim is unfit then I would open with Shan & Fakhar

 

[gazza619]

If Saim isnt in the xi then I will play Shadab at 7 as Agha and Shadab can be the 5/6 bowling option. Also wasim Jnr over Husnain.

It seems like we have forgotten the uselessness of ????

 

[gazza619]

Genuinely though I think this will be Pakistan's playing 11

1) Fakhar
2) Imam/Hurraira/ Shan
3) Babar Azam
4) Rizwan
5) Kamran Ghulam
6) Salman Ali Agha
7) Tayyab Tahir
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Rauf
11) Abrar

12) Irfan Khan Niazi
13) Sufiyan
14) Husnain
15) Saud Shakeel (I think Usman Khan will be dropped for saud, if not then Usman Khan it is)

I think you have picked one bowler short in the squad of 15. I have a feeling we will see the useless back

 

[YousafTheBeast]

If Saim is unfit then I would open with Shan & Fakhar

Why though? You have a T20 opener but you won’t open with him in ODI’s?

Saud Shakeel is a better option at 4 than Rizwan.

Rizwan will be more effective at the top, rather than coming in at 4 and slowing everything down and putting pressure back on to the team.

 

[gazza619]

Why though? You have a T20 opener but you won’t open with him in ODI’s?

Saud Shakeel is a better option at 4 than Rizwan.

Rizwan will be more effective at the top, rather than coming in at 4 and slowing everything down and putting pressure back on to the team.

An ODI opener should be someone who can score big hundreds or at least is capable of scoring big hundreds. Agreed on Saud at 4.

Riz should drop down to 5/6.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Has the squad not been announced yet ?

 

[mominsaigol]

I think you have picked one bowler short in the squad of 15. I have a feeling we will see the useless back

As long as Aqib is around, it won't happen

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Iftikhar is looking solid with bat and ball in BPL.

With Saim injured we should bring him in as batter + 6th bowling option.

 

[Devadwal]

Has the squad not been announced yet ?

Which is going to happen first - Pakistan announced the champion trophy team or Pakistani grounds ready for the champion Trophy?

 

[Devadwal]

Iftikhar is looking solid with bat and ball in BPL.

With Saim injured we should bring him in as batter + 6th bowling option.

Iftikhar is useless . Agha can Play better role than Washout player like iftikhar .

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Iftikhar is useless . Agha can Play better role than Washout player like iftikhar .

You need 15 players in the squad.

Agha is VC so is already picked but we need cover and bench strength.

 

[gazza619]

As long as Aqib is around, it won't happen

But if you need to drop a batter from your squad and pick a bowler, who would that be?

 

[Devadwal]

You need 15 players in the squad.

Agha is VC so is already picked but we need cover and bench strength.

Bench strength - One WK , one spinner ,one Batsman and A Pacer.

Fakhar
Shan/ Imam
Babar
Saud/ if pakistan want to play Irfan/ Taiyab than one of of them can play at 7 .
Rizwan
Kamran
Agha
Abrar/ Sufiyan
Naseem
Shaheen
Rauf

I'll play Saud as agha/ Saud easily can give 10 over combined .

 

[mominsaigol]

But if you need to drop a batter from your squad and pick a bowler, who would that be?

Why would I need to drop a batter and pick a bowler? I am firm on my belief that this will be the squad chosen

 

[jamie smith]

every world cup finds a way through,what will be the case this time??

 

[gazza619]

Why would I need to drop a batter and pick a bowler? I am firm on my belief that this will be the squad chosen

Like i said earlier you are a bowler short. You cant go into a major tournament with just 6 bowlers in a squad of 15.

Aquib / Riz are smart enough to know this.

 

[Hyder]

Iftikhar is looking solid with bat and ball in BPL.

With Saim injured we should bring him in as batter + 6th bowling option.

I ll pick khushdil over him as of now

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I ll pick khushdil over him as of now

Khush is looking good but the last time he played international in Pakistan he left the field and cried in dressing room due to crowd taunts. Will he be able to handle the pressure of a home iCC tournament? Better to phase in gently.

 

[mominsaigol]

Like i said earlier you are a bowler short. You cant go into a major tournament with just 6 bowlers in a squad of 15.

Aquib / Riz are smart enough to know this.

Are they? These are the same people who made farhan a t20 opener?

 

[Kianig89]

Openers
Saim Fakhar Shan

Middle.order
Babar, KG, TT , Irfan

Bits & Pieces
Agha, JK

WKs

Rizwan, Any one of @Rana favourite

Bowlers

SSA, Rauf, Naseem, Abrar, Sufyan

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Khushil and Sajid deserve a run now.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

You need 15 players in the squad.

Agha is VC so is already picked but we need cover and bench strength.

Why would a top order batter be replaced by a lower order batter?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Why would a top order batter be replaced by a lower order batter?

He won't be a direct like for like replacement.

But he can fulfil the role of batting plus bowling a few overs.

 

[gazza619]

Are they? These are the same people who made farhan a t20 opener?

What does Farhan getting picked in T20s have anything to do with this.

We are discussing the argument of carrying fewer bowlers in a major ODI tournament.

None of the teams will pick only 6 frontline bowlers.

 

[mominsaigol]

What does Farhan getting picked in T20s have anything to do with this.

We are discussing the argument of carrying fewer bowlers in a major ODI tournament.

None of the teams will pick only 6 frontline bowlers.

Wait and watch

 

[gazza619]

Wait and watch

Get your apology ready.

 

[shamaan]

It seems like we have forgotten the uselessness of ????

You cant have Agha bowling 10 overs each game.

 

[shamaan]

Iftikhar is looking solid with bat and ball in BPL.

With Saim injured we should bring him in as batter + 6th bowling option.

who is that 6th bowling option+ batter ?

 

[gazza619]

You cant have Agha bowling 10 overs each game.

Shadab cant bat or bowl. Might as well pick a specialist batter or bowler in his place

 

[shamaan]

Shadab cant bat or bowl. Might as well pick a specialist batter or bowler in his place

Which specialist batter bats at 7?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He won't be a direct like for like replacement.

But he can fulfil the role of batting plus bowling a few overs.

I think PAK will need the extra top order batter in the squad especially if the only proven and in form opener needs replacement

 

[gazza619]

Which specialist batter bats at 7?

Agha is our number 7 anyway.

In principle I agree with you that it is good to have a player who can share the bowling work load with Agha, but playing Shadab will mean that we will get 5 rubbish overs and a useless little knock down the order.

My point is to take a risk and either play a genuine batter who can score some runs or a genuine bowler who can take wickets when needed.

 

[shamaan]

Agha is our number 7 anyway.

In principle I agree with you that it is good to have a player who can share the bowling work load with Agha, but playing Shadab will mean that we will get 5 rubbish overs and a useless little knock down the order.

My point is to take a risk and either play a genuine batter who can score some runs or a genuine bowler who can take wickets when needed.

But then you cant have someone who has never played international cricket or have little experience play in a major tournament.If they ain't considering Shadab then Khushdil should be considered or Saud but he has to bat at 4 otherwise no point playing him.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner and with multiple players and new comers shining of late, what do you guys reckon to be the best squad combination for the team green in the upcoming mega tournament partially to be hosted in Pakistan.

Pakistan's potential 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be a blend of experience and youth. Key players likely to be included are:

Besides these names making round on social media which players should be excluded or included in this list

Babar Azam
Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-keeper captain)
Fakhar Zaman
Imam-ul-Haq
Abdullah Shafiq
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nawaz
Shaheen Afridi
Naseem Shah
Haris Rauf
Usama Mir
Abrar Ahmed
Mohammad Amir
Agha Salman
Zaman Khan

Contenders for the final spot include Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Haris, depending on form and fitness

Amir is retired.

 

[gazza619]

But then you cant have someone who has never played international cricket or have little experience play in a major tournament.If they ain't considering Shadab then Khushdil should be considered or Saud but he has to bat at 4 otherwise no point playing him.

Agreed. Though Khushdil is also a bits & pieces cricketer but considering his recent performances its worth trying him again in the tri series.

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

Squad of 15 for Retaining the CT

Fakhar
Saim if fit / Saud to open if not.
Imam ul haq
Babar
Riz
KG
Salman Ali
Jahandad
Faheem
Khushdil
Was Jr
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf
Abrar

The 3 in form players currently are Faheem , Jahandad and Khushdil.

AJ and Muqeem reserves.

KG , Salman Ali and Saud to bowl spin if needed.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Update in my squad: Saim's replacement should be Shan.

1. Saim / Shan
2. Fakhar
3. Abdullah

4. Babar
5. Tayyab
6. Irfan

7. Rizwan (WK) (C)

8. Salman Agha
9. Kamran Ghulam
10. Aamer Jamal

11. Shaheen
12. Naseem
13. Rauf

14. Abrar
15. Faisal / Muqeem

 

[RidiculousMan]

Genuinely though I think this will be Pakistan's playing 11

1) Fakhar
2) Imam/Hurraira/ Shan
3) Babar Azam
4) Rizwan
5) Kamran Ghulam
6) Salman Ali Agha
7) Tayyab Tahir
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Rauf
11) Abrar

12) Irfan Khan Niazi
13) Sufiyan
14) Husnain
15) Saud Shakeel (I think Usman Khan will be dropped for saud, if not then Usman Khan it is)

They missed such a big trick by not integrating Aamer Jamal in the ODI setup. He could've been that perfect no. 7 all rounder which you could play when you need pace all rounder at 7. Would also give cushion to Salman to share the load of 5th bowler when playing.

Bowling combination looks tough for Pakistan right now without Saim. Unless they are willing to sacrifice their batting.

I think that's why we are hearing rumors of Shadab being added. I honestly think Shadab doesn't deserve it.

 

[mominsaigol]

They missed such a big trick by not integrating Aamer Jamal in the ODI setup. He could've been that perfect no. 7 all rounder which you could play when you need pace all rounder at 7. Would also give cushion to Salman to share the load of 5th bowler when playing.

Bowling combination looks tough for Pakistan right now without Saim. Unless they are willing to sacrifice their batting.

I think that's why we are hearing rumors of Shadab being added. I honestly think Shadab doesn't deserve it.

I agree with you but jamal won't ve selected.

The 15 I've named, I'm 110% sure that Pakistan will take this squad. Max 1 to 2 changes but I'm sure that 90% of the listed names are going.

 

[RidiculousMan]

I agree with you but jamal won't ve selected.

The 15 I've named, I'm 110% sure that Pakistan will take this squad. Max 1 to 2 changes but I'm sure that 90% of the listed names are going.

These are locked 100%

1. Fakhar
2. Babar
3. Rizwan
4. Salman
5. Kamran
6. Niazi
7. Naseem
8. Shaheen
9. Rauf
10. Abrar

 

[mominsaigol]

These are locked 100%

1. Fakhar
2. Babar
3. Rizwan
4. Salman
5. Kamran
6. Niazi
7. Naseem
8. Shaheen
9. Rauf
10. Abrar

1) Fakhar
2) Babar
3) Rizwan
4) Agha
5) Abrar
6) Shaheen
7) Naseem
8) Rauf
9) Kamran
10) Niazi

^^ 100% locked

10) Saud
11) Imam

^^ Dependant and conditional upon their performance in wi test but I'm 100% certain saud will replace Usman Khan in the squad and Imam will replace saim. Saim won't make it in ct.

12) Tayyab
13) Husnain
14) Sufiyan
15) ????

^^ Most likely they'll go.

 

[Hyder]

He

Khush is looking good but the last time he played international in Pakistan he left the field and cried in dressing room due to crowd taunts. Will he be able to handle the pressure of a home iCC tournament? Better to phase in gently.

He should ve continued in odis honestly but we mix formats. He is better player than tayyab tahir if he is going to bat at 7.
Khushdil and Agha can bowl 10 overs between them and saim plus saud/kamran ll also be in team

 

[shamaan]

Agreed. Though Khushdil is also a bits & pieces cricketer but considering his recent performances its worth trying him again in the tri series.

I think its abit late to give him a chance now but let's see what Pakistan do.

 

[Adnan_Ilyas]

When will Pakistan announce the CT 2025 squad?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Basit Ali speaking on his YouTube channel:

"If Saim comes back, then he and Fakhar are the best opening pair. If Saim is unavailable, then Shan Masood can open. After the opening pair, Babar and Rizwan will come. Pakistan team will depend on these four."

"Shadab Khan is required at this time. Pakistan needs a spin all-rounder."

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Basit Ali speaking on his YouTube channel:

"If Saim comes back, then he and Fakhar are the best opening pair. If Saim is unavailable, then Shan Masood can open. After the opening pair, Babar and Rizwan will come. Pakistan team will depend on these four."

"Shadab Khan is required at this time. Pakistan needs a spin all-rounder."

Shadab Khan is not an all-rounder

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This seems like the most likely squad they will announce:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Shan Masood
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan (c)/(wk)
5. Salman Agha
6. Kamran Ghulam
7. Irfan Khan
8. Naseem Shah
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Abrar Ahmed

12. Tayyab Tahir
13. Haseebullah Khan
14. Mohammad Hasnain
15. Sufiyan Muqeem

 

[PAKFAN12]

This seems like the most likely squad they will announce:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Shan Masood
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan (c)/(wk)
5. Salman Agha
6. Kamran Ghulam
7. Irfan Khan
8. Naseem Shah
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi
10. Haris Rauf
11. Abrar Ahmed

12. Tayyab Tahir
13. Haseebullah Khan
14. Mohammad Hasnain
15. Sufiyan Muqeem

Saud Shakeel ahead of Tayyab Tahir , Rest are fine .

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Saud Shakeel ahead of Tayyab Tahir , Rest are fine .

I would have Saud Shakeel in there too but they are probably going to go with Tayyab Tahir

 

[mominsaigol]

I would have Saud Shakeel in there too but they are probably going to go with Tayyab Tahir

Imo, they should have replaced Usman Khan with Saud shakeel.

Theirs no need for a backup keeper. Put a backup keeper in reserves and rizwan ain't getting injured. He can play with test, tri series and ct just fine.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Imo, they should have replaced Usman Khan with Saud shakeel.

Theirs no need for a backup keeper. Put a backup keeper in reserves and rizwan ain't getting injured. He can play with test, tri series and ct just fine.

I don't think Usman Khan will be there. last place is between Haseebullah and Imam, either one could get selected.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Shan over Imam ? Would be unfair to Imam since he was the best opener in Champions Cup after Saim .

 

[mominsaigol]

I don't think Usman Khan will be there. last place is between Haseebullah and Imam, either one could get selected.

No no, I'm saying that Usman khan was in the squad vs SA. He didnt get selected in the playing 11 but was selected in the 15.

Saud could have easily replaced him.

No need to replace Tayyab as both UK and tayuab were part of the 11 and tayyab is a better batsmen them saud.

Imam, Hasebullah, Shan should have been options for Abdullah only.

No reason why saud couldn't be slotted In.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan over Imam ? Would be unfair to Imam since he was the best opener in Champions Cup after Saim .

Imam is mentally weak and almost always fails to step up in pressure situations.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Shan over Imam ? Would be unfair to Imam since he was the best opener in Champions Cup after Saim .

Beats me as well. Shan should not even be in the discussion given his record. Imam has serious limitations. But that cieling is still higher than Shan's ceiling.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

No no, I'm saying that Usman khan was in the squad vs SA. He didnt get selected in the playing 11 but was selected in the 15.

Saud could have easily replaced him.

No need to replace Tayyab as both UK and tayuab were part of the 11 and tayyab is a better batsmen them saud.

Imam, Hasebullah, Shan should have been options for Abdullah only.

No reason why saud couldn't be slotted In.

I don't know if Tayyab is a better batsman than Saud. He has just about the ugliest technique in the Pakistan side. I think only Usman Khan compares in-terms of ugliness. Whereas, Saud is much more technically sound and in general a gifted strokemaker. That said, Tayyab Tahir has not done too badly for himself so far. And there is no reason why they can't both be in the squad. But I doubt that will be the case.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Beats me as well. Shan should not even be in the discussion given his record. Imam has serious limitations. But that cieling is still higher than Shan's ceiling.

Shan has a very good record in List A. He averages over 50.

Imam's ODI numbers don't tell the full-story. He is a tailender against the short ball and never performs in high-pressure situations. He is the epitome of a bilateral series statpadder.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Shan has a very good record in List A. He averages over 50.

Imam's ODI numbers don't tell the full-story. He is a tailender against the short ball and never performs in high-pressure situations. He is the epitome of a bilateral series statpadder.

Yea. But his List A stats has a strike rate of 83 which is not really good given that he gets to play on easier batting conditions a lot. A 35 year old guy playing his 10th ODI indicates there is something wrong with the system. They could go with 10 year younger SHafique right?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yea. But his List A stats has a strike rate of 83 which is not really good given that he gets to play on easier batting conditions a lot. A 35 year old guy playing his 10th ODI indicates there is something wrong with the system. They could go with 10 year younger SHafique right?

It's not about age, its about what you can contribute to the team. And Abdullah Shafique can't buy a run right now. Shan has changed his game in recent times, and if he can play in ODIs the way he tries to play in tests, he can be useful at the top for Pakistan. The simple reality is that Pakistan's don't have too many realistic options right now with Saim Ayub likely being out of the tournament. And among the options they have, Shan feels like the best one.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Imam is mentally weak and almost always fails to step up in pressure situations.

Imam is limited, no doubt. But it's a catch 22 situation where Fakhar has been completely out of form and I'm not sure about Shan's recent List A record . Did he do anything in Champions Cup this year?

Imam has been churning out the runs at least in domestic.

If Saim is not fit, Imam should make the squad at least imo

 

[gazza619]

Imam is limited, no doubt. But it's a catch 22 situation where Fakhar has been completely out of form and I'm not sure about Shan's recent List A record . Did he do anything in Champions Cup this year?

Imam has been churning out the runs at least in domestic.

If Saim is not fit, Imam should make the squad at least imo

Don’t think Aqib wants Imam.

I know these are two different formats but a rookie like Hurraira was preferred over Imam. That is clear signal for me

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Don’t think Aquib wants Imam.

I know these are two different formats but a rookie like Hurraira was preferred over Imam. That is clear signal for me

Dead rubber Tests since WTC is over. Probably trying to build bench strength by giving youngsters a go.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Imam is limited, no doubt. But it's a catch 22 situation where Fakhar has been completely out of form and I'm not sure about Shan's recent List A record . Did he do anything in Champions Cup this year?

Imam has been churning out the runs at least in domestic.

If Saim is not fit, Imam should make the squad at least imo

Fakhar is a high-quality player who possesses the ability to step up in big matches so his lack of form is not a big concern to me. Even if he is out of form, he is more bankable than most batsmen in the team.

I don't know. I’m purely basing this on the way Shan tends to bat in Test matches. He bats positively and tries to rotate the strike. He seems like someone who has a greater chance of succeeding in ODIs than in Tests or T20Is.

 

[Farabi]

I don't know if Tayyab is a better batsman than Saud. He has just about the ugliest technique in the Pakistan side. I think only Usman Khan compares in-terms of ugliness. Whereas, Saud is much more technically sound and in general a gifted strokemaker. That said, Tayyab Tahir has not done too badly for himself so far. And there is no reason why they can't both be in the squad. But I doubt that will be the case.

The only problem though is that ugliness/prettiness isn’t a criteria for selection. Runs are, which both have.

 

[Farabi]

Fakhar is a high-quality player who possesses the ability to step up in big matches so his lack of form is not a big concern to me. Even if he is out of form, he is more bankable than most batsmen in the team.

I don't know. I’m purely basing this on the way Shan tends to bat in Test matches. He bats positively and tries to rotate the strike. He seems like someone who has a greater chance of succeeding in ODIs than in Tests or T20Is.

Shan is a no brainer in ODIs. Should be given a long run.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The only problem though is that ugliness/prettiness isn’t a criteria for selection. Runs are, which both have.

No disagreement there.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan is a no brainer in ODIs. Should be given a long run.

I don't know how much of a long run he can be given at 35. But as a short-term fix, he seems like the best option.