 "Pakistan were the last team to announce its squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Image: Reuters")
After scathing criticism from cricketing great Wasim Akram, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources have claimed that the squad for Champions Trophy 2025 was picked on merit and there has been no political involvement. It’s a well-known fact that the PCB chairman is appointed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister and politicians have often played a big role in the cricket team’s affairs.
While former pacer Akram did not hint towards political intervention, he didn’t like the fact that all-rounder Faheem Ashraf was given a chance . Faheem has a bowling average of 46.30 in ODIs and his batting average stands at 10.66.
“Faheem Ashraf has been selected in this squad but in the last few months his batting average is 9 while his bowling average is 100. Apart from this, Khushdil Shah’s performance has also not been good. Anyway, the team has been selected. I wish Pakistan all the best,” Akram said recently.
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The legendary all-rounder Akram, who took over 500 wickets in ODIs, was also not happy that only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, has been picked in the squad.
“We have picked only 1 proper spinner, while India increased their number from 3 to 4. But I’m sure Pakistan selectors considered everything to make the call.”
No political force behind Pakistan’s team selection
Akram’s criticism has opened Pandora’s box, with fans and other experts aiming at PCB. However, a PCB resource told Cricket Pakistan that the selection was made “solely” by the committee of the selectors and there was no interference from any politician including chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
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The source added that it was the selectors’ decision to include Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the squad. Explaining Faheem’s inclusion, the source said that Aamer Jamal’s recent poor form forced the selectors to look at the former.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe PCB source also said that former players are unfairly targetting the cricket board and the selectors, adding that while players may have political affiliations, they are not picked on political connections.