Shahzad criticized the lack of consistency in team selection, pointing out that the squad has only one genuine spinner
01 February, 2025
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PHOTO: X
Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has raised concerns over the national team’s squad selection for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, questioning the decisions made by the selectors.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Shahzad criticized the lack of consistency in team selection, pointing out that the squad has only one genuine spinner despite the tournament being played in Pakistan and the UAE.
"Only one genuine spinner in the Champions Trophy squad and you are playing in Pakistan and UAE. Are you serious?" he questioned.
Shahzad also expressed surprise over the inclusion of new openers, and the team management is still undecided on Fakhar's opening partner.
"Two new openers will be playing directly in the Champions Trophy. Fakhar is making a comeback, and we still don’t know who will open with him," he wrote.
Further criticizing the selection process, he pointed out the inclusion of Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and Usm in the squad based on performances in a T20 tournament in Bangladesh, rather than recent ODI performances for Pakistan.
"Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf make their way back in the team from a T20 tournament happening in Bangladesh, without playing any ODI cricket in recent past for the country. Are you guys for real?" he further wrote.
One of the key concerns raised by Shahzad was the sudden inclusion of Saud Shakeel in the squad. He questioned where Shakeel would fit into the playing XI and criticized the overall lack of planning by the selectors.
"And where are you willing to adjust Saud Shakeel? Another one came directly into the Champions Trophy squad," he stated, adding that the selection process showed how unprofessional the system had become.
Shahzad went on to write that this was Pakistan’s preparation for a major ICC tournament that they are hosting, sarcastically applauding the selectors for their decisions.
"This is our preparation for Champions Trophy, which we are hosting. Slow clap for everyone involved," Shahzad wrote.
Despite his criticism, he concluded by expressing support for the national team, stating that his prayers would always be with Pakistan.
Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
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, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
