The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up to host the prestigious Champions Trophy 2025, and excitement is palpable among players and fans alike. As the tournament approaches, recent statements by former cricketer Basit Ali have raised eyebrows, suggesting a division within the team. According to Ali, captain Mohammad Rizwan has expressed dissatisfaction with the inclusion of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in the squad. This revelation has instigated discussions about the internal dynamics of the Pakistani cricket team as they prepare for the high-stakes competition.
Faheem Ashraf’s Performance in the Tri-series Final
Before the Champions Trophy, Faheem Ashraf had the chance to prove his worth in a crucial match. He played in the Tri-series final against New Zealand on February 14, where his performance was underwhelming. Contributing a mere 21 runs with the bat and conceding 16 runs in just 2.2 overs, Ashraf’s lack of impact during the match highlighted the challenges he faces in cementing his place in the team. Pakistan ultimately lost this final match, raising further questions about Ashraf’s role and contributions.
Basit Ali’s Controversial Claims
Following Pakistan’s defeat, Basit Ali didn’t hold back in voicing his opinion. He pointed out that Rizwan clearly showed his discontent with Ashraf’s presence in the team during the Tri-series final against New Zealand. Ali noted, “Rizwan displayed that he was unhappy with Faheem Ashraf being in the team. He only bowled him for two overs and brought him back into the attack once Pakistan was on the verge of losing the match.” This scenario paints a picture of potential friction in the squad dynamics, which could be concerning ahead of a significant tournament.
Faheem Ashraf’s ODI Career Overview
At 31 years of age, Faheem Ashraf has played across all formats for Pakistan. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has appeared in 35 matches, capturing 26 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 5.18. However, his batting record leaves much to be desired, as he has amassed only 246 runs without a century or even a half-century to his name. This underperformance in ODIs raises questions about his place in the team, especially as Pakistan gears up for the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Champions Trophy
The anticipated squad for the Champions Trophy includes notable players such as:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
- Saud Shakil
- Usman Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Taiyab Tahir
- Faheem Ashraf
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
As the team prepares for this prestigious tournament, the internal dynamics and individual performances will play a crucial role in determining Pakistan’s success in the Champions Trophy 2025.