Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, a storm is brewing within Pakistan cricket. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sparked debate by suggesting a squad review, directly clashing with captain Mohammad Rizwan’s unwavering belief that the current 15-member squad needs no alterations.
The Controversial Selections
The inclusion of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf has sparked criticism, with many questioning their selection despite long absences from international cricket.
Faheem Ashraf last played an ODI in September 2023, but his batting average of 10 and bowling average of 47 hardly make a compelling case for selection.
Khushdil Shah, with zero half-centuries in 10 ODI appearances, has not featured for the national side since August 2022.
Defending these picks, Naqvi emphasized that the selectors had the right intentions, but also admitted that a review is underway.
Naqvi denied interfering in the selection process but acknowledged that selectors could still alter the final squad before the February 12 deadline set by the ICC. This wouldn’t be the first time Pakistan made last-minute changes—a similar scenario unfolded before the 2021 T20 World Cup, when they swapped multiple players after announcing the initial squad.
A Divided Camp?
The contradiction between the PCB chairman and the team captain suggests a lack of consensus within the management. With Pakistan already dealing with instability in leadership and squad selection, another shake-up might further disrupt the team’s preparation.
As the countdown to the Pakistan’s Champions Trophy continues, all eyes are now on the selection committee—will they stand by their choices, or bow to pressure and make late changes?
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