Pakistan kya dar gaya? Basit Ali criticizes PCB for delaying ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to announce its squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, even though they have missed the deadline set by the International Cricket Council. The unexpected delay has caused concern among many, with former cricketer Basit Ali voicing doubts about the board's preparedness for the tournament.

“Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai — karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan scared to announce their squad? No, it isn’t, just unsure what to do and what not),” said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel.

A significant factor contributing to the prolonged delay in Pakistan’s squad announcement has been the uncertainty regarding the availability of batter Saim Ayub.

“The biggest issue is Saim Ayub, whether he can return fit or not. It’s still not clear,” he said.

Basit pointed out significant issues within Pakistan’s middle-order, noting that many players are expected to enter the tournament without any previous experience in an ICC event.

“I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan’s problem is their middle-order because they have to face 140kmph fast bowlers, barring against India who have spin all-rounders,” said Basit. “Right now, Pakistan’s No. 5, 6 and 7 appear dodgy. That’s why I am in favour of Saud Shakeel. People are talking about Khushdil Shah. But do you want a T20 player in the Champions Trophy squad?”

“Tayyab Tahir, Saud, and Kamran Ghulam haven’t played ICC events. Similarly, the spinners Sufiyan (Muqeem) and Abrar (Ahmed) haven’t played,” said the former batter.

“That’s why at this time Shadab Khan is needed as a spin all-rounder. If Saim is fit, then Saim and Fakhar Zaman is the best opening combination. If Saim doesn’t make it, then Shan Masood. Who’s left after that? Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. So your batting will depend on these four and bowling will depend on pacers,” he concluded.