By Rohit - February 05, 2025 01:15 PMThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in a rather unique way. A video featuring members of Pakistan's victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad, some retired and others currently out of favor, announced the names of the new generation tasked with defending the title. This nostalgic touch, however, was quickly overshadowed by the actions of one former player: Ahmad Shahzad.
While the PCB's creative approach garnered initial attention, it was Shahzad's seemingly contradictory behavior that became the real talking point. Despite featuring in the announcement video, even introducing Usman Khan as part of the squad, Shahzad launched a scathing critique of the team's selection shortly after the video's release. His social media post, filled with pointed questions and criticisms, targeted several aspects of the squad composition, sparking a wave of debate among fans and raising questions about his motives.
Shahzad's primary concerns revolved around what he perceived as imbalances in the squad. He questioned the limited number of specialist spinners, particularly given the tournament's location in Pakistan and the UAE, known for their spin-friendly conditions. He also expressed reservations about the inclusion of two relatively inexperienced openers, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Fakhar Zaman's opening partner. Furthermore, he criticized the selection of Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and himself, questioning their inclusion based on performances in a T20 tournament in Bangladesh, citing their lack of recent ODI experience for the national side. "Are you guys for real?" he concluded, expressing his incredulity at the selections.
This outburst, however, quickly backfired. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out the hypocrisy in Shahzad's actions. He had, after all, participated in the very video announcing the squad he was now criticizing. The fact that he had introduced Usman Khan, one of the players he later targeted, further fueled the backlash. Many accused him of double standards, questioning the sincerity of his critique and suggesting that his comments were perhaps motivated by personal grievances at not being included in the squad himself.
The controversy surrounding Shahzad's comments highlights the intense scrutiny and passion that surrounds Pakistan cricket. Squad selections are always a subject of debate, and the opinions of former players often carry significant weight. However, in this instance, Shahzad's seemingly contradictory actions undermined his critique and opened him up to accusations of hypocrisy.
Beyond the immediate drama surrounding Shahzad's outburst, the incident also raises broader questions about the PCB's selection process and the balance of the squad. While the PCB clearly aimed for a nostalgic feel with their announcement video, the subsequent controversy may have overshadowed their intended message. The concerns raised by Shahzad, regardless of his motivations, do reflect some of the anxieties shared by fans regarding the team's composition. The lack of a frontline spinner, the relatively untested opening pair, and the inclusion of players based on T20 performances rather than ODI form are all valid points of discussion.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is a crucial tournament for Pakistan, who enter as the defending champions. The pressure to perform will be immense, and the team management will need to ensure that they have the right combination of players to succeed. The tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled just before the tournament, will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and combinations. The series begins with New Zealand facing Pakistan on February 8th at the Gaddafi Stadium, followed by New Zealand versus South Africa on February 10th. The action then moves to Karachi, where Pakistan will take on South Africa on February 12th, culminating in the final on February 14th. These matches will be crucial in assessing the team's preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead.
The Champions Trophy itself begins soon after the tri-series, where Pakistan will face stiff competition from other top cricketing nations. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team in the absence of Babar Azam, who stepped down from the captaincy after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Rizwan's leadership will be a key factor in Pakistan's chances.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Also Read: Champions Trophy: भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच मुकाबले के कुछ ही मिनट में बिके टिकट
