Inside story of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad selection revealed

The inside story behind Pakistan’s squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has come to light.  

On the evening of January 31, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad through a press release. However, soon after the announcement, former Test cricketers and cricket analysts severely criticized the team selection.  

The selection of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and batter Khushdil Shah—alongside mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed as the squad’s only specialist spinner—has sparked debate. The criticism intensified when the PCB released a video statement from Test batter and selection committee member Asad Shafiq.  

Asad Shafiq’s remarks—stating that the squad was based on experienced and tested players for an ICC event—were widely ridiculed. The 39-year-old, who retired from first-class cricket after joining the selection committee in 2024, was reportedly part of the meeting where squad selection was finalized. However, he struggled to convincingly defend the decisions made by the selection committee.  

One of the most debated selections has been that of Usman Khan as the second wicketkeeper. Despite having played 18 ODIs for Pakistan, Usman has never featured in an international One-Day match. The selection committee justified his inclusion as a backup wicketkeeper to Mohammad Rizwan under concussion substitute regulations. Otherwise, there was no likelihood of Usman making the squad.  

Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion was reportedly influenced by his strong performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the underwhelming recent form of fast-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal. Faheem, who has played 34 ODIs for Pakistan, has scored 224 runs and taken 36 wickets in his career. His selection was also based on Pakistan’s expected clash against India in Dubai, where his all-round skills were deemed useful.  

Khushdil Shah, a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, was selected despite returning to the national setup after August 2022. According to sources, the selection committee believes he can complete 10 overs in tandem with Salman Ali Agha, justifying his place as an all-rounder.  

Off-spinner Sajid Khan was not considered due to his performances being primarily in Test cricket. The selection committee was not convinced that he could effectively spin the ball in ODIs, especially with two new balls being used. Meanwhile, left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who impressed with figures of 4/52 on his ODI debut against South Africa in Johannesburg on December 22, 2024, was overlooked. The selection committee felt that with Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, and Abrar Ahmed already in the squad, including Muqeem would be unnecessary. Given that Pakistan's playing XI would likely consist of three pacers—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—there was no place for an additional specialist spinner.  

Test captain Shan Masood was considered for the Champions Trophy squad, but he was ultimately left out for two key reasons. First, the selection committee preferred Saim Ayub, who can contribute with the ball as well. Second, despite Masood’s impressive 145-run knock in Cape Town, his underwhelming Test performances against West Indies in Multan, where he managed only one half-century in four innings, led to his exclusion.  

On the other hand, Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has been included in the ODI squad for the first time since November 2023, primarily due to his relatively better batting performances in Asian conditions.