Pakistan to make late changes in Champions Trophy 2025 Squad? Two players Unwanted as Names revealed

With just three days remaining of the final squad submission for the Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan team may have a couple of significant changes.

The tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa commenced on Saturday at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, with the hosts facing New Zealand in the opening match.

Khusdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf selections Questioned

Although PCB was the last team to announce their squad for the ICC tournament, it seems they still need a few tweaks into the side. The selection faced criticism due to the inclusion of players like Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, who had been absent from the national team for an extended period. Their selection was based on recent performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), leading to public debate.

Khushdil last played in an ODI for Pakistan in 2022, while Faheem Ashraf, who was part of Pakistan's Champions Trophy winning squad in 2017, played his last ODI for the nation in 2023.

In response to the controversy, both captain Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the concerns.

Rizwan dismissed the possibility of last-minute changes to the 15-member squad, while Naqvi acknowledged that selectors have the right to review their decisions before the February 12 deadline.

"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. Yes, they are now reviewing the squad because they have time until February 12 to make changes if they want," Naqvi said.

It will immensely unnerving for PCB as a whole if the selectors decide to make changes in their squad. Ashraf and Khushdil's inclusion can be questioned, but by no means it was their fault and stripping the duo of the squad would be a massive injustice.

Pakistan CT 2025 Squad: Who will be the Replacements?

The potential adjustments could see players like Shadab Khan and Aamer Jamal being considered as replacements.