 "Champions Trophy 2025: How a mistake by Pakistan selectors could cost hosts their title defence")
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin on 19 February, with defending champions Pakistan poised to kick off their campaign against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. However, as the tournament approaches, concerns over Pakistan’s squad composition are starting to emerge, with some experts questioning whether the selectors have made the right calls for this marquee event.
The squad selected for the upcoming competition has a few glaring gaps that could cost Pakistan a shot at defending their title.
Pakistan’s squad analysis: How PCB missed the trick
Batting Line-up: Pakistan’s batting line-up remains largely unchanged from the squad that recently played an ODI series against South Africa. With stalwarts like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the top order, the team has a solid foundation. However, the middle order could face a real test, with players like Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, and Tayyab Tahir yet to prove themselves in high-pressure international tournaments.
Bowling Line-up: Pakistan’s pace attack remains one of the most feared in world cricket. Led by the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain, the team is well-equipped to handle any opposition with the ball. Shaheen’s ability to swing the ball both ways, Haris’ raw pace, and Naseem’s unpredictable deliveries make this an attack capable of rattling even the best batting units.
The real concern, however, is Pakistan’s spin bowling options. Abrar Ahmed is the only frontline spinner in the squad, and while he has shown promise in recent months, there is a clear gap in the team’s spin depth. Pakistan selectors may have been hoping that all-rounders like Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha could step in for spin duties when required, but relying on part-timers in a tournament of this caliber may not be the most strategic approach.
In contrast, arch-rivals India have opted for a much stronger spin contingent, selecting Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. These options give India the flexibility to adapt to a variety of pitch conditions, which could prove vital in crucial match-ups.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsFormer Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram recently pointed out that Pakistan missed the trick by not opting for a more spin-heavy attack, similar to India’s approach.
All-rounders: The inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah has raised eyebrows as well. Ashraf, a pace-bowling all-rounder, has been struggling with form, particularly in recent months. Despite his potential, his performances have been sub-par. Faheem has taken 26 wickets in 34 ODIs, averaging 46.30, and has scored only 224 runs in 24 innings, with an average of 10.66.
Pakistan’s squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri make early predictions for mega ICC event
What’s at stake for Pakistan?
Defending their title won in 2017 is no small feat, and while Pakistan certainly has the talent to do so, the selectors’ decision to overlook key areas, such as a lack of quality spinners and the questionable form of certain players, could come back to haunt them. The absence of a more balanced spin attack puts Pakistan at a disadvantage in matches that could turn in the middle overs, especially against teams like India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
With their opening match against New Zealand fast approaching, Pakistan’s selectors will be hoping that their squad proves their critics wrong. But for now, the gap in Pakistan’s spin department remains a glaring concern, one that could cost them their title if they don’t adapt quickly enough.
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