New Delhi: Pakistan insist they have made no mistake in selecting batter Khushdil Shah and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in their Champions Trophy squad though they are open to the idea of reviewing the squad.
Shah and Ashraf’s inclusions have sparked a controversy that prompted Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi to say the its selection committee will review the squad, in contradiction to skipper Mohammed Rizwan’s opinion that the 15-member doesn’t need any change.
“The selectors have the right to review any squad they announce. Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf have been included in the squad with the right intentions,” Naqvi said, as quoted by PTI.
The International Cricket Council has set a February 12 deadline for making changes to provisional squads for the CT that begins in Karachi on February 19.
Recalling Shah and Ashraf despite they being absent from international cricket for a while has drawn sharp reaction within Pakistan.
Ashraf has a batting average of 10 and bowling average of 47, in 34 ODIs, last of which was in September, 2023, while Shah has made 10 ODI appearances, the last of which was in August, 2022.
Naqvi insisted not to have interfered with the job of selectors but said they are open to make changes if they felt the requirement as they had done before the 2021 T20 World Cup.
“Yes they are now reviewing the squad because they have time until February 12 to make changes if they want,” he said.
Beat India, win trophy: Pakistan PM Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set the target for Pakistan in the CT, declaring that not only they have to win the tournament they are hosting but also beat traditional rivals India.
The marquee clash will be held in Dubai on February 23 after India refused to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns over long-standing geo-political tensions.
“We have a very good side and they have done well in recent times but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India in the upcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation stands behind them,” Sharif said.
“It is a big occasion for Pakistan that we are hosting a big ICC event after nearly 29 years. I have full confidence that our team will continue to make the nation proud in the upcoming Champions Trophy.”
Recalling Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf for the Champions Trophy despite their absence from international cricket for a while has led to a controversy in Pakistan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
