Pakistan To Modify Champions Trophy Squad? Report Claims Threat To 2 Key Players

Pakistan players in action [Source: @Arain_417/X]

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a solid 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will take on New Zealand, Bangladesh and India in their group-stage matches. 

Apart from the skipper, the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Agha Salman are expected to play major roles for the hosts. 

Questions Over Khushdil, Faheem's Selection

According to cricketpakistan.com.pk, the Pakistani media as well as the former cricketers have criticised the selections of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah for the ICC Champions Trophy. The report claims that the well-wishers of Pakistan cricket have also condemned the selection of only one specialist opener and spin bowler for the showpiece event. 

Therefore, as the report reveals, the PCB selection committee has been advised to reconsider the squad and bring necessary changes in order to assemble a formidable team for the Champions Trophy. It's worth mentioning that Faheem and Khushdil haven't played ODI cricket for quite a while now, neither they have impressive record in the 50-over format. 

While Faheem averages only 10.7 with the bat and has scalped 26 wickets in 34 outings, Khushdil's career has been marred by inconsistency. Therefore, it won't be surprising if the PCB selection committee actually makes some amendments and exclude these two players from the team. Teams can make changes to their Champions Trophy squads until February 11. 

Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad

Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (VC), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi

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