Explained: Why Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan are yet to unveil their squad nearly two weeks after ICC deadline

Nearly two weeks have passed since the deadline set by the ICC for teams to announce their provisional Champions Trophy squads. England had unveiled their squad long back on 21 December, while New Zealand, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared theirs on the day of the deadline.

Australia and South Africa unveiled their squads a day after the deadline while India waited till last Saturday before making the announcement, including senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami despite the former nursing a back injury that is likely to rule him out until the first week of March.

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That leaves us with just one team that is yet to unveil their provisional squad for the ninth edition of the ‘Mini World Cup’ – hosts and defending champions Pakistan. As per the ICC’s guidelines, the squads announced this month will not be final, and the eight teams can make changes until 13 February – six days before Pakistan face New Zealand in Match 1 at Karachi's National Stadium.

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So what then is the reason behind the home team’s reluctance in announcing their squad?

Saim Ayub’s injury behind Pakistan’s delay in announcing squad?

Former Pakistan middle-order batter Basit Ali was among those left perplexed by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) delay in announcing the squad, questioning whether they suddenly were “scared” of participating in the first global event taking place in their backyard in 27 years.

“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),” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Basit, however, speculated injury to in-form opener Saim Ayub is why Pakistan are yet to make their Champions Trophy squad public. Since making his international debut in January last year, Saim has impressed across formats – especially in One-Day Internationals where he currently averages 64.37.

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The 22-year-old was in red-hot form during Pakistan’s recent tour of South Africa, smashing an unbeaten 98 in the third T20I against the Proteas before starring in Mohammad Rizwan and company’s historic 3-0 ODI whitewash with two centuries in three games.

Pakistan, therefore, will be keeping their fingers crossed over Saim’s fitness after the youngster suffered an ankle fracture during the second Test against the Proteas in Cape Town, hoping the young opener’s form helps them win back-to-back Champions Trophy titles.

However, in case he is ruled out of the tournament, Basit recommended Shan Masood as the ideal opening partner for Fakhar Zaman, despite the fact that the Pakistan Test captain has not played an ODI since May 2023.

“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,” Basit added.