Abrar Ahmed ready to fight Shadab Khan for spot in Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 squad: "I've to work hard"

Pakistan mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has finally spoken about his chances for next year's Champions Trophy. Abrar reckons that the team management will decide on his selection, but he has to work hard to be in the team for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Abrar is currently in Pakistan's squad for the two-match Test series at home against Bangladesh. He is the lone spinner in the squad and is most likely to feature in all the Tests of the series unless he is unfit.

While he is Pakistan's first-choice spinner in the Test format, the 25-year-old is also aiming to be the 'main spinner' in the white-ball squads. Recently, he was a part of Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 squad but did not get a game in the tournament.

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Abrar Ahmed finally breaks silence on his chances for Champions Trophy 2025

During a press conference on August 15 (Thursday), Abrar was asked about his chances of featuring in the Champions Trophy 2025. The young spinner gave a mature answer by saying that it is the decision of management and he just needs to work hard to get there.

"It is up to team management whether I play in the Champions Trophy (2025) or not. On my end, I have to work hard," Abrar said.

Abrar Ahmed is yet to play an ODI so far as Pakistan have preferred Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz over him. But he has played three T20I matches. He has picked up two wickets in T20Is so far at an average of 23 and an economy rate of 5.75.

The spinner has good variations and can be a handful in the middle overs of ODI matches. But it remains to be seen if Pakistan tries him before the Champions Trophy or not. The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan but there is a danger hovering over the tournament with India not yet confirming their travel to their neighbouring country.

Abrar Ahmed trying to become the 'main spinner' of Pakistan

Meanwhile, Abrar also spoke of his ambitions of becoming the premier spinner for his team. He also revealed that he is working on a few variations and will execute them in upcoming matches.

"I am trying to become the main spinner of the team." He also hinted at the possibility of showcasing new deliveries, adding, "In terms of deliveries, I try to do something different, and it could reflect in the upcoming games," he added.

Agha Salman to form a spin bowling pair with Abrar Ahmed

Although Abrar is the lone spinner in Pakistan's Test squad currently, he will be aiming to further solidify his position in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. He has played 6 Tests so far and picked up 38 wickets at an average of 31. He already has 2 five-wicket hauls to his name in Test cricket.

Agha Salman is likely to assist Abrar Ahmed in the Test series against Bangladesh. Salman is a useful off-spin bowler who is more than capable of building pressure on the opposition. With his ability to bat and bowl, Salman is a useful cricketer for Pakistan.