Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 just less than a month away from start, the host nation, Pakistan are yet to announce their squad for the upcoming tournament. It is to be noted that all seven teams, including India have announced their preliminary squad for the 50-over tournament, however, Pakistan has surperseded the deadline date by more than a week.

However, the exact reason behind the delay is not known, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has revealed the possible reasons behind this move. The former Pakistan batter added that doubts over Saim Ayub’s availability is the main reason why Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has held up the announcement.

“Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai - karein to kya karen? (Is Pakistan scared? No it isn’t so, they are just unsure what to do and what not),” Basit Ali said in a video on his YouTube channel. “The biggest issue is Saim Ayub, whether he can return fit or not. It’s still not clear,” he added.

Basit Ali picks Pakistan’s middle-order batters for Champions Trophy 2025

While Saim Ayub’s availability is subject to fitness at the moment after he twisted his ankle during the Test series against South Africa, Basit Ali added that Pakistan is still looking for a strong middle-order, which looks “dodgy”. “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,” he said.

“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?” he continued. “Tayyab Tahir, Saud and Kamran Ghulam haven’t played ICC events. Similarly, the spinners Sufiyan (Muqeem) and Abrar (Ahmed) haven’t played. That’s why at this time Shadab Khan is needed as a spin all-rounder,” he further added.

Furthermore, the 54-year-old also picked his openers in Saim Ayb and Fakhar Zaman, while adding that if the former isn’t fit, Shan Masood should open. “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.

Notably, Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh and New Zealand. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side will play the tournament opener against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19, followed by a clash each against India (February 23) and Bangladesh (February 27).