Basit Ali threw out an explosive statement ‘Pakistan dar gaya’ due to the delay in announcing the lineup
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has 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 his frustration with the Pakistan coach, stating that the team management seemed unsure about their combination.
The multi-nation cricket tournament will be hosted by Pakistan. Pakistan is the only team that has not yet announced 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.
I’m just not sure what to do and what not to do – Basit Ali
In a video he shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali questioned why Pakistan had not announced their squad yet, adding that the delay was due to uncertainty over 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 announcing nahi ki? Nahi dara nahi hai. Samajh nahi aa rahi hai — karein to kya karein? (Is Pakistan afraid to announce its team? No, it’s not, I’m just not sure what to do, and what not), said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel.
“The biggest question is whether Saim Ayub can return to form or not. It is still not clear,” he added.
Pakistan’s problem is their middle order – Basit Ali
The cricketer-turned-expert said the middle order is the team’s weakness. He added that the inclusion of Saim Ayub was essential to strengthen the top order. Ali stated that facing fast bowlers, especially those who bowl at a speed of 140 kmph, is a challenge for Pakistan, except against India’s game.
“I hope I’m wrong, but Pakistan’s problem is their middle order as they have to face 140km/h fast bowlers, except against India who have spin all-rounders,” Basit said.
“At the moment, Pakistan’s number 5, 6 and 7 seem doubtful. That’s why I’m in favor 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 an all-rounder – Basit Ali
The former batsman pointed out that players like Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam and spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed have no experience in ICC events. He emphasized that the batting will rely heavily on Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
“Tayyab Tahir, Saud and Kamran Ghulam have not played ICC events. Similarly, spinners Sufiyan (Muqeem) and Abrar (Ahmed) have not played,” the former batsman said.
“That’s why Shadab Khan is needed as a spin all-rounder at the moment. If Saim is fit, then Saim and Fakhar Zaman are the best opening combination. If Saim fails, then Shan Masood. Who remains after that? Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will depend on this four and the bowling will depend on the pacers.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, with Pakistan and New Zealand in the first match at the National Stadium in Karachi. Defending champions Pakistan will be looking to retain their title as the tournament returns for the first time since 2017.
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