Pakistan has got the hosting rights of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, in which eight teams will show their strength. Except Pakistan and India, all other countries have announced their Champions Trophy squads in the tournament. Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has made serious comments about his team. He said that Pakistan has made significant mistakes in the Champions Trophy squad and advised head coach Aaqib Javed to be cautious.
Basit said that people associated with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are trying to sideline Aaqib Javed. He said on his YouTube channel, “The team that Pakistan has made for the Champions Trophy is not fun. However, I will not reveal the name of the team. After the South Africa series, Badshah Salamat has gone after Aaqib Javed. One or two selectors are also engaged in this work. I am surprised to see the players who have been kept in the team.”
He further said, “As per my knowledge, only two spinners have been included in the team – Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. Why is spin all-rounder Shadab Khan not named? Rest of the countries are keeping three spinners each, whereas India will bring four spinners. Pakistan is relying on only two spinners, which is not right.”
Basit also said that Aaqib should be clear about the selection of his players. “We are not allowed to express our opinions. Once the team is announced, then we speak. Something is going wrong with Aaqib. How is Shadab not named? He is a good fielder and can bat also. There is lack of batting in Abrar and Sufiyan. Teams from all over the world are playing with all-rounders. Both New Zealand and India will have three all-rounders, but Pakistan does not have one.”
He concluded, “Prepare the team properly. It doesn’t matter if you lose after playing well, but it is not right to enter the field with such a wrong team.”
