The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy is approaching, and consultations are ongoing to finalize Pakistan’s ODI squad for the tournament.
According to sources, Pakistan will participate in a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy. If Saeem Ayub is not declared fit, selectors have decided to bring in a replacement. If Ayub is fit, the squad for the tri-nation series will also serve as the Champions Trophy squad.
Out-of-form players Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan are likely to be dropped from the Champions Trophy squad. Fakhar Zaman’s inclusion in the squad is almost certain, while Imam-ul-Haq and Haseebullah’s names are also under consideration.
The squad is expected to include Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan. Bowlers like Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufiyan Muqeem are also likely to make the final cut.
While all other Champions Trophy teams have already announced their squads, Pakistan has sent an initial squad list to the ICC. A final squad must be announced by February 11.
The first match of the tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, is scheduled for February 8.
