ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Shan Masson labeled 'third-class', Imam-ul-Haq identified as Saim Ayub's replacement

Former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed has lashed out at those backing Shan Masood to get a place in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy ahead of Imam-ul-Haq.

Of the eight teams participating in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan are the only team who are yet to announce their preliminary squad. With Saim Ayub injured and out-of-form Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan set to miss out, Pakistan are likely to make a number of changes to the ODI squad that played against South Africa last month.

As per reports, Imam-ul-Haq as well as Shan Masood are in contention for a spot in the Pakistan team. Masood has played only 9 ODIs so far with his last appearance in the 50-over format coming in May 2023. The Pakistan Test captain has looked in good form in recent times.

Earlier this month, he played a brilliant knock of 145 runs in the second innings of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. He also scored a fifty in the recently-concluded Test against West Indies.

On the other hand, Imam-ul-Haq has played 72 ODIs so far although he has fallen down the pecking order in recent times. The southpaw has not represented Pakistan since 2023. He last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup.

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Tanvir Ahmed backs Imam-ul-Haq:

While only time will tell who gets the nod between Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood, Tanvir Ahmed has thrown his support behind the former. On Wednesday (January 22), he took to X to post a string of messages where he explained the reason behind picking Imam-ul-Haq over Masood.

He began by slamming some journalists, accusing them of lobbying for Masood as he wrote: "Are some media people or journalists, who consider themselves very righteous, lobbying to include Shan Masood in the Champions Trophy team in place of Saim Ayub? My request to them is, you'll get your meal."

Kia Shan Masood ko Saim Ayub ki jaga champion trophy ki team main laney k liye kuch media k log ya kuch journalist jo apney apko buhat pak saaf samajhtey hain kia woh log shan ki liye lobby chala rahe hain meri un say request ha khana mil jaye ga

— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025

In his second post, Tanvir said that Imam-ul-Haq should be replacing Saim Ayub in the Pakistan team and not Masood. He also pointed out that Masood has played only 9 ODIs so far and has not performed well in the format.

"Imam-ul-Haq should be selected in place of Saim Ayub. Shan Masood's performance is third-class, he has only played 9 ODIs. Imam's performance in ODIs is outstanding. Some of our media people have become Shan's supporters," wrote Tanveer.

Imam ul haq ko select hona chahiye Saim Ayub ki jaga Shan Masood ki third class performance ha sirf 9 odi khaila howa ha lekin imam ki performance odi main buhat zabardsast ha humarey kuch media k log shan kay chamchey banay howey hain

— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025

Tanvir concluded by posting a couple of pictures, comparing the batting stats of Masood and Imam.

Champion trophy main Imam ul Haq ka name hona chahiye check karain dono ki ODI performance Sharam karain woh log jo Shan Masood ki baat kar rahey hain pic.twitter.com/I7LxGdz281

— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) January 22, 2025

Meanwhile, a total of eight teams will be participating in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played from February 19. The tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE. The final will be played on March 9.

The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four teams each. Group A features India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B has Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. Pakistan, who are also the defending champions, will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi.