As Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad comes under scrutiny, some selections have raised concerns due to poor player form. With the deadline for squad review fast approaching on February 12, several players face the possibility of exclusion. Here are three players who are currently at risk of missing out on a spot for the upcoming tournament.
Naseem Shah: Struggling Pace Spearhead
Once hailed as Pakistan’s future pace sensation, Naseem Shah has shown signs of inconsistency and vulnerability in recent months. His performance in the last 7 ODIs has been less than impressive, with just 10 wickets at an average of 36.80. This puts his place in the Champions Trophy squad in doubt, especially with an economy rate of 6.18, which is concerning for a bowler of his potential. His recent outing against New Zealand, where he leaked runs, raised further questions about his readiness for high-pressure matches.
With alternatives like Mohammad Hasnain in the mix, Pakistan’s selectors may look to make changes in their pace attack. Hasnain’s potential to add more firepower could push Naseem out of the squad.
Kamran Ghulam: Middle-Order Misfire
Kamran Ghulam, who once drew comparisons to Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, has failed to live up to expectations in ODIs. With only 210 runs from 11 matches at an average of 30, his form has been underwhelming. Ghulam has struggled against disciplined bowling, particularly during the recent tri-series against New Zealand, where he was unable to score runs under pressure.
In addition to his technical flaws, Ghulam is now competing for a spot with Abdullah Shafique, who was previously left out of the squad. Shafique’s strong batting ability puts him in a better position to take Ghulam’s place in the middle order.
Khushdil Shah: Questionable All-Rounder Pick
Khushdil Shah’s inclusion in the squad has raised eyebrows. Although selected as a replacement for an injured opener, his form has been a cause for concern. In his recent appearances, including the series against New Zealand, Khushdil has failed to impress with both bat and ball. He has bowled just 9 overs, conceding 66 runs, and scored only 15 runs in his batting performances.
Despite his all-rounder label, Khushdil’s lack of consistency in both departments makes him a risky pick. Former cricketers like Wasim Akram have criticized his selection, suggesting that Pakistan should prioritize in-form spinners or specialist batters instead of an inconsistent all-rounder.
Why These Changes Matter for Pakistan
Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 is under pressure, particularly with issues in the middle-order and spin-depth. The exclusion of underperforming players could provide the team with much-needed stability, especially with the tournament just around the corner. By bringing in players like Shadab Khan or Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan can strengthen their squad and improve their chances of performing well.
The deadline for squad review on February 12 is a critical moment for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This short window will determine whether they make the necessary adjustments to field a competitive team for the title defense starting February 19.