ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Basit Ali drops explosive 'Pakistan dar gaya' statement on delay in squad announcement

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized the delay in announcing the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to start on February 19. Basit Ali expressed frustration with the Pakistan selectors, stating that the team management seems uncertain about their combination.

The multi-nation cricket tournament will be hosted in Pakistan. Pakistan is the only team yet to announce its squad despite being the host. Other participating teams, including India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, have already revealed their provisional squads.

Just Unsure What to Do and What Not - Basit Ali

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali questioned why Pakistan hasn't announced its squad yet, adding that the delay is due to uncertainty about the team combination. Basit stated that the decision-making process is complicated due to Saim Ayub's injury.

"Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai -- karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan scared to announce their squad? No, it isn't, just unsure what to do and what not)," said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel.

"The biggest issue is whether Saim Ayub can return fit or not. It's still not clear," he added.

Pakistan's Problem Is Their Middle-Order - Basit Ali

The cricketer-turned-expert said that the middle order is a weakness in the team. He added that Saim Ayub's inclusion is crucial to strengthening the top order. Ali stated that facing fast bowlers, particularly those bowling at speeds of 140 km/h, poses a challenge for Pakistan, except against India’s game.

"I hope I am wrong, but Pakistan's problem is their middle-order because they have to face 140kmph fast bowlers, barring against India who have spin all-rounders," said Basit.

"Right now, Pakistan's No. 5, 6 and 7 appear dodgy. That's why I am in favour of Saud Shakeel. People are talking about Khushdil Shah. But do you want a T20 player in the Champions Trophy squad?"

Shadab Khan Is Needed as a Spin All-Rounder - Basit Ali

The former batter highlighted that players like Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, and spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed lack experience in ICC events. He emphasized that the batting would rely heavily on Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan.

"Tayyab Tahir, Saud and Kamran Ghulam haven't played ICC events. Similarly, the spinners Sufiyan (Muqeem) and Abrar (Ahmed) haven't played," said the former batter.

"That's why Shadab Khan is needed as a spin all-rounder at this time. If Saim is fit, then Saim and Fakhar Zaman are the best opening combinations. If Saim doesn't make it, then Shan Masood. Who's left after that? Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. So your batting will depend on these four and bowling will depend on pacers," he concluded.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan, the defending champions, will look to retain their title as the tournament returns for the first time since 2017.

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