New Delhi: Pakistani cricket fans are convinced that PCB chief “Mohsin Naqvi has already laid the foundation for Pakistan’s defeat” in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy that the country is also hosting from 19 February. The announcement of the 15-member squad has raised eyebrows.
Former fast bowler and captain Wasim Akram questioned the selection of Faheem Ashraf, saying that he “came out of the blue”.
“Faheem Ashraf is a talented cricketer, and I wish him the best,” Akram remarked at a franchise cricket press conference, but then questioned the decision. “However, his bowling average is 100, and his batting average is 9 from his last 20 matches”.
Despite this, Akram hoped that the decision was part of a bigger plan. Faheem’s most recent appearance was in the 2023 Asia Cup.
The potential for further changes in the team structure remains, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stating that the squad can still be altered until 11 February, in line with International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations.
Akram, however, was pleased with the four pacers in the squad—Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
‘Betrayal’
Pakistan are the defending champions for the upcoming Champions Trophy, having won it in 2017. Mohammad Rizwan is the squad captain and will lead the team for the first 50-over ICC tournament since the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The Pakistani selectors made an unexpected call by including only one specialist spinner and packing the 15-member squad with nine batsmen. However, the most surprising move was the exclusion of all-rounder Aamir Jamal, who was expected to make the cut.
Jamal on his part took to Instagram to express his frustration. In a cryptic post, he wrote, “If betraying had a face. This led many to speculate that he was referring to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors. It was reported that the PCB had initially assured him a spot in the squad but dropped him at the last minute.
Now, there are concerns and some Pakistanis have taken it seriously, quite literally. Angry fans have threatened dire consequences if Faheem Ashraf is not removed from the squad.
“Death, Taxes and Rana Faheem Ashraf in Pakistan squad are always a certainty Seriously how does this game get into the team despite not playing at all?,” wrote @mwaugh7 on X.
Allrounder Faheem has returned to the squad after a two year gap.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper and batsman Rashid Latif said, it seems a political selection.
“This is what Wasim did in his last 4 ODIs. Jab apke main bowlers ki petai ho rahi ti tu Wasim wkts le raha ta but now Sifarshi Faheem Patwari in the team and Talented Wasim Jnr dropped. Afsos and Laanat PCB pe,” said Waqar Ahmad Afridi sharing a photo of Wasim JNR with stats.
Also read: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy troubles are never ending. Now no opening ceremony
‘No hopes’
Others cannot stop blaming PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
“Due to extremely weak selection Pakistan‘s performance in the CT may be disappointing. Naqvi has brought cricket to the brink of destruction,”@sheisareader lamented on X.
Cricketer commentator Ali Pasha, in a YouTube video, called out the entire selection. “Where do we stand? We are just picking up people on a whim. There are multiple questions. Who’ll be the backup spinner? Who is your opening batsman? What is your combination? What exactly is the vision here,” he asked.
Most fans have already lost hopes of Pakistan even making it to the semis.
“Pakistan will be lucky when they win this CT. Guys like Tayyab, Usman have got horrible techniques and they are playing in an ICC tournament,” X user Afaq Soomro wrote.
Others were not so courteous.
“Thanks, selectors for giving us Pakistan’s yaari dosti XI 2.0 that will humiliate us in the #ChampionsTrophy2025 As a fan I’m now mentally prepared for the zalalat that is to come,” Sarah Shah said on X.
Even before the event starts, the verdict is out: Fans have vowed to not watch any of the matches.
“I don’t at all get how this country works I swear,” X user Usman summed it up for the anxious fans.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)