Sufiyan Muqeem to enter Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 squad as a replacement of...
Published - 06 Feb 2025, 11:31 AM | Updated - 06 Feb 2025, 11:37 AM
The Pakistan selection committee has faced criticism after the announcement of the 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. According to the latest reports, the selection committee is likely to add young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem in place of Tayyab Tahir in the Champions Trophy squad.
Pakistan has announced a squad featuring a mix of fresh faces and some returning players. The squad is a blend of youth and experience, but certain exclusions have raised eyebrows. Ahead of the ICC tournament, Mohammad Rizwan will captain the team in a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Sufiyan Muqeem's Exclusion from Pakistan's Champions Trophy Squad Sparks Debate
The exclusion of Sufiyan Muqeem from Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad has sparked debate, especially given his impressive performance in his only ODI, where he took a four-wicket haul against South Africa. His skills could be valuable on flat and batter-friendly pitches in the ICC event in Pakistan and Dubai.
However, the selectors have opted for a pace-heavy squad for the tri-series and the Champions Trophy. The decision to go with just one premier spinner, Abrar Ahmed, is bold, given his lack of international experience. Abrar has played only four ODIs, and Salman Ali Agha can provide a part-time spin.
The focus is on the pace quartet of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, and Haris Rauf, who are expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s success at the Champions Trophy. This pace-heavy strategy has already yielded three consecutive overseas series wins for Pakistan.
Sufiyan Muqeem Expected to Replace Tayyab Tahir in Pakistan Squad
According to ARY News, Sufiyan Muqeem is expected to replace Tayyab Tahir in the Pakistan squad for the ICC tournament.
The selectors can make changes to the 15-member squad, with the ICC setting a deadline of February 11 for alterations without needing to provide reasons. After that date, changes can only be made due to injury and require approval from the technical committee.
Interim Head Coach Aaqib Javed Rules Out Changes in Champions Trophy Squad
Interim head coach and chief selector Aaqib Javed has defended the inclusion of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah. He ruled out making changes to the roster before the tournament, adding that adjustments should not be based on just two matches.
“It’s not right to make changes based on the performances of two matches and therefore it will most likely be the same team for the Champions Trophy,” the former Test pacer told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan’s training session at the Ghani Glass ground here on Wednesday.
“And when you look into it specifically that you have three pool matches against New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, you need top seven batters with four bowling options, including two all-rounders,” he said. “Both Faheem and Khushdil are better choices to play in the sub-continent conditions as compared to Australia or South Africa.”
