Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has opened up about Saim Ayub’s injury ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Basit Ali has said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should consider adding Test captain Shan Masood to the Champions Trophy squad as an opener if Saim Ayub wins is unavailable.
Saim Ayub suffered an ankle injury while playing in the second test against South Africa. The 22-year-old first baseman was forced to leave the field and was unable to swing the bat in the match. He is currently undergoing treatment in London. Pakistan are yet to announce their squad for the Champions Trophy.
Shan Masood should open the batting if Saim Ayub can’t – Basit Ali
Basit Ali said that Shan Masood should open the batting along with Fakhar Zaman if Saim Ayub cannot recover in time. Basit emphasized that Ayub and Fakhar make the best opening pair. He also added that the team’s success will rely heavily on Ayub (if fit), Fakhar, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
“If Saim comes back, then he and Fakhar are the best opening pair. If Saim is not available, then Shan Masood can open. After the opening pair, Babar and Rizwan will come. Pakistan team will depend on these four,” Basit told his YouTube channel.
Masood played his last ODI match in May 2023 against New Zealand in Karachi. He played nine ODIs, scoring 163 runs at an average of 18.11. Masood is the captain of the Pakistan team in the ongoing two-match Test series against the West Indies at home, where the hosts won the first game.
Shadab Khan is needed at the moment – Basit Ali
The 54-year-old highlighted the importance of having a bowling all-rounder in the Pakistan squad for the main tournament. He said that Shadab Khan could fill this role, stating that Pakistan needed him at this time.
“Shadab Khan is needed at the moment. Pakistan needs an all-rounder,” observed Basit.
Shadab Khan’s last ODI appearance was during the 2023 World Cup against England. During his career, Shadab played in 70 ODI matches, scoring 855 runs at an average of 25.90. As a bowler, he took 85 wickets at an average of 34.82, with an economy rate of 5.24.
I believe Saud Shakeel should be included – Basit Ali
The cricketer-turned-expert has expressed concern over the lack of depth in Pakistan’s batting order. Basit pointed out that the middle order seems fragile, especially against fast bowlers. He added that the only match where Pakistan might face the bowlers would be against India.
“Pakistan’s middle order is a problem because they will have to face bowlers who bowl more than 140 km/h. Only against India, it will be a spin attack, otherwise I don’t see any role for spinners. Pakistan are number 5, 6 and 7 mi they look doubtful at the moment, so I believe Saud Shakeel should be involved.”
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