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Rizwan Unhappy With Faheem's Champions Trophy Inclusion? Ex-Player Makes Bold Claim

Akshita Patel

Rumours of internal feud in Pakistan team [Source: @malikmehran178, @TheRealPCB/X.com]Rumours of internal feud in Pakistan team [Source: @malikmehran178, @TheRealPCB/X.com]

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has stirred a huge debate with an outrageous claim. He stated that Pakistan white-ball format captain Mohammad Rizwan was unhappy with Faheem Ashraf's selection in the Champions Trophy squad.

Pakistan were one of the last teams to release their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 edition. Besides Saim Ayub's exclusion, the selection committee also made bold calls, including Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) argued that the duo were selected on the basis of their impressive performance in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Basit Ali speculates internal rift over Faheem's selection

Pakistan's preparation for the Champions Trophy has been marred with controversy as Mohammad Rizwan is reported not to be happy with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf being picked.

Basit Ali, an ex-cricketer, claimed that Rizwan's handling of Faheem during the recent New Zealand and South Africa tri-series attested to his unhappiness. Faheem was only given two overs before he was rested until the game was practically lost.

"Rizwan clearly showed he was not happy with Faheem Ashraf being included in the team. He didn’t give him the ball after just two overs and only used him again when the match was already lost,” Basit said.

The choice of Faheem, who has been underperforming in ODIs, surprised everyone. He was not included in Pakistan's last away series and had a poor Asia Cup 2023 outing.

Basit Ali Criticises Pakistan for Babar Azam's Batting Order Disarray

Ex-cricketer Basit Ali has come down heavily on Pakistan's administration for experimenting with Babar Azam's batting order. Babar, a success at No.3, failed as an opener in the ODI Tri-Series, scoring 62 runs off three games.

"Who told Babar Azam to open? What crazy people they are! He was scoring 50-70 at No.3, and they ruined that too," Basit Ali said.

Notably, Babar Azam has been promoted to the opening spot after Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.