ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Wasim Akram opens fire at Pakistan Cricket after squad announcement
Published - 02 Feb 2025, 12:36 PM | Updated - 02 Feb 2025, 12:42 PM
Legendary cricketer Wasim Akram raised concerns over the surprise selection of Faheem Ashraf in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Wasim Akram also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for picking only one spinner for the ICC 50-over tournament in Asian conditions.
Pakistan announced their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy on Friday. Fakhar Zaman made a return to the national team after a previous fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, Saim Ayub, who had suffered an ankle injury during the Cape Town Test, was unavailable for selection.
Faheem Ashraf's Selection for Champions Trophy 2025 Leaves Former Cricketers Furious
Faheem Ashraf's selection for the marquee tournament left former cricketers furious. The all-rounder has not played international cricket since 2023. Faheem last played an ODI match for Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup. He was not even considered for Pakistan's recent away ODI series in Australia and South Africa.
Faheem has played 34 ODIs since his debut in 2017, taking 26 wickets at an average of 46.30 and an economy rate of 5.18. He has scored 224 runs at an average of 10.66 and a strike rate of 81.75. The pacer played for the Dolphins in the Champions T20 Cup in December 2024, taking six wickets in seven matches.
Faheem Ashraf Has Come Out of the Blue - Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram said that Faheem Ashraf is a talented player, but his recent form has been poor. Akram pointed out that Ashraf's bowling average was 100, and his batting average was just 9 in his last 20 matches.
"Congratulations to the Pakistan Cricket Board who have prepared the stadiums in record time. It's a big deal," Akram said.
"I haven't had a close look at the squad but for instance, Faheem Ashraf has come into the team, I wish him all the best, a talented cricketer. Lekin pehle 20 matches mein unkind bowling average sau ki, batting average nau ki hai (but in the last 20 matches, his bowling average is 100 and batting average is 9). He has come out of the blue," he added.
We Are Taking Only One Proper Spinner - Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram was surprised with only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy. He also stated that India had named 3-4 spinners in their squad. Akram acknowledged the pressure of playing at home but wished the team the best to reach the semifinals.
"Khushdil Shah has also come out of the blue. We are taking only one proper spinner. I think India has named 3-4 spinners in their squad. There has to be a reason for that. But now the team has been selected, I wish Pakistan all the best. There will be a little pressure playing at home and they are expected to reach the semifinals," Wasim added.
